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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE 

UNSEEN EMPIRE 

A PEACE PLAY 
IN FOUR ACTS 



BY 

ATHERTON BROWNELL 



"The overlordship of the Unseen Empire, the 
war scare, and secret diplomacy are all of 
them necessary stages in the passing of war." 
—David Starr Jordan. 




HARPER fcf BROTHERS PUBLISHERS 

NEW YORK AND LONDON 
M C M X I V 



ALL STAGE, RECITATION, PUBLICATION, TRANSLATION 
AND OTHER RIGHTS RESERVED. APPLICATION 
SHOULD BE MADE TO MESSRS. HARPER & BROTHERS 



^-3 



CO 3 s 



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SEP -5 1914 



COPYRIGHT, 1914. BY ATHERTON BROWNELL 



PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER. 1914 

F-O 



CI.A38052? 



V 



Is 



TO 

WALDO G. MORSE 

FRIEND AND COUNSELLOR 



INTRODUCTION 

THIS play, "The Unseen Empire," of Atherton 
Brownell, is a study of the influences com- 
prised in the war system of Europe, and of the way 
in which gigantic forces assembled in the name of 
peace actually make for war. It explains how the 
robber barons of a later time wring from the laboring 
people as cost for defense the same blood-money the 
robber barons of three or four centuries ago exacted 
as ransom or tribute. The weapons of this exaction 
are still suspicion and fear, the war-scare and the 
spasm of miscalled patriotism. 

In the name of "Armed Peace," by playing on the 
vague idealism and the chivalry of common folk, 
they secure a toll as unscrupulous as any in the 
Middle Ages and far greater in actual amount. 

This play shows how the war system really stands 
for war. It suggests the actual nature of war, and it 
gives a valuable hint as to how the nation that really 
wants peace can dictate peace and insure it. It 
shows how moral force is stronger than violence, and 

[iii] 



INTRODUCTION 



that the war system continues because men do not 
realize how, through the use of moral force, they can 
put an end to it. 

In the character of Friderika Mr. Brownell does 
not mean to represent any existing woman, nor even 
to indicate what any existing woman could or should 
do under like circumstances, but rather to symbolize 
the enormous power society has allowed her to wield 
irresponsibly, while exposed to unseen powers at 
variance with the whole nature of normal woman- 
hood. 

The keynote of the play is found in the effect of the 
words of Channing, the American Ambassador, "he 
made me think." The peace of the civilized world 
depends on this. The more men can be led to think 
about the problems of war the nearer we are to 
assured peace. For the very essence of the war 
system depends on its power to make men, civilians 
as well as soldiers, mere machines to carry out 
its will. When men stop to think they do not 
fight. 

The play is realistic in form and method, yet each 
character is in fact symbolic. They represent the 
personal forces involved in war. This American 
Ambassador especially represents the new attitude 
of the democratic twentieth century, the matter-of- 

[iv] 



INTRODUCTION 



fact attitude toward war as distinguished from the 

romantic and medieval. 

Aside from its waste and its suffering, its horrors 

and its crimes, its meannesses and its heroisms, war 

is to him simply preposterous. It is antiquated, 

futile, and ridiculous. When there are enough 

normal men in the world strong enough to outgrow 

their perverted and poisoned early education and to 

look on war in that way, nothing will be easier than to 

build temples of peace at Waterloo, Mars-la-Tour, 

and Sedan. 

David Starr Jordan. 

Wykeham House, Oxford, November 17, 1913. 



FOREWORD 

This play was written under the shadow of that 
great tomb on Riverside Drive, New York City, 
where rest the remains of a soldier. On its facade are 
carved the words of Ulysses S. Grant, spoken out of 
the fullness of his experience in war — "Let us have 
peace." 

Those words are cut into the present work as 
surely as they are graven upon that tomb. Yet, with 
impulse and inspiration entirely American, the pur- 
pose of the play has been to reach beyond the lines 
of national boundaries and to represent "The New 
Internationalism. ,, Owing, perhaps, to the locale 
of its action, the play has assumed unwittingly an 
outward form which seems to be suggestive of Ger- 
man thought and construction. 

As the time for stage production in the United 
States has approached it has been felt that a form of 
drama more familiar to American audiences, and 
more favored by them, might be desirable. Who- 
ever reads this original version of the play and like- 



FOREWORD 



wise witnesses its performance will, therefore, note 
a few changes in structure, though not in spirit. A 
greater use of the scenic and spectacular possibilities 
has been made. More marked emphasis has been 
laid upon the power of the democracy to make or 
unmake war. In this work of revision for stage pur- 
poses the author has had — and here wishes to ac- 
knowledge — the valued collaboration of Mr. William 
Young, who performed a similar service for the late 
General Lew Wallace in making the stage version of 
Ben Hut. 

What changes from this original of the play will be 
made for purposes of European representation may 
not at this writing be said. A production arranged 
for London is deferred owing to the apparent unwill- 
ingness of the Lord Chamberlain, the British censor, 
to license the exact form in which it now stands. 
For diplomatic reasons it is probable that certain 
eliminations will be necessary — those scenes, for in- 
stance, which deal with delicate international ques- 
tions that even now are in process of adjustment. 

The Author. 

New York, September, 1914. 



CHARACTERS 

The Emperor 

The Chancellor of the Empire 

Prince Otto von Mehrenburg 

Hon. Stephen Channing . American Ambassador 

Major Count Von Wrede 

Military Aide to the Chancellor 
Herr Stoltz . Director General Stahl Gun Works 
Conrad Bertholdt 

Chief Electrician Stahl Gun Works 
Lieut. Fritz Knauff . . Of the Imperial Navy 
Sergeant Boehling 

A Veteran of the Franco-Prussian War 

Hugo Boehling His Son 

Gottlieb Hanft ... A Foreman in the Works 
Friderika Stahl 

Mistress of the Stahl Gun Works 

Frau Werner Her Aunt 

Lena Werner Her Cousin 

Frau Boehling 

Workmen from the Stahl Gun Works, Servants, 
Attendants, Sentinels. 

[i] 



CHARACTERS 



Act I — Library of Friderika Stahl at Stahlstadt. 

Morning. 
Act II — The Chancellerie at Berlin. Following 

morning. 
Act III — Same as Act I. The same evening. 
Act IV — Scene i. The Chancellor's Private 
Study. A few minutes later. 

Scene 2. An eminence overlooking the Battle- 
field of Sedan. 

Place of Action — Stahlstadt, Berlin, and Sedan. 
Time of Action — To-morrow. 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 



ACT I 

Scene — The library of Friderika Stahl's home 
at Stahlstadt. It is a very spacious room in a house 
which, though comparatively modern, is still character- 
istically German in its general atmosphere. This 
residence is situated on an eminence that overlooks 
the Stahl Gun Works, and at the back of stage is a long 
and wide window, raised two steps and opening out 
upon a balcony, beyond which may be seen the roofs and 
chimneys of the gun-plant stretching away to a great 
distance. From these chimneys heavy smoke is pouring 
that forms a kind of pall over the entire view. 

At R. there is a large door opening from the reception- 
room, and at L. there is another door that gives entrance 
to other rooms in the house. The room is furnished in 
almost regal splendor. Heavy and rich tapestries hang 
upon the walls and at the great window at back. The 

[i] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

walls are lined with bookcases filled with tomes, while 
the furniture is heavy and somber. 

Down L. in a prominent position is a stand of full 
armor of early German make. The figure normally 
stands with the right hand resting on a heavy sword. 
There is a Sofa L. C. Piano R. At L. C. also is a heavy 
library table in none too perfect order. Several large 
volumes, numerous filing-cases ', reports, papers, roll of 
blue-prints, a pile of unopened correspondence, and. also 
a telephone; but mingled with them are certain dis- 
tinctively feminine articles, a vase of flowers, some 
dainty books in illuminated bindings, a hand-mirror, 
a powder-puff , and a box of confectionery. A small 
book lies open upon the table. 

At rising of the curtain the doors of the room R. and 
L. are closed. The curtains at the window at back are 
withdrawn, showing the plant in full working. At L. 
at armor is Conrad Bertholdt, at work with electric 
wires and testing-lamp. He is a young man of about 
twenty-eight or thirty, clean-cut and energetic, with a 
highly intelligent face suggestive of an imaginative 
temperament, yet with the precision of a scientist in his 
manner. The right arm of the armor is raised at this 
moment, and the corselet is open, showing within an 
arrangement of wires and an electric switch. 

Conrad is testing wires and connections at the 

[2] 



. THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

switch with a testing-lamp that flashes. After a mo- 
ment there comes a knock at the door R., insistently 
repeated. Conrad looks toward door almost startled. 

Lena {calling from without). Conrad! Conrad! 
Unlock the door. Your time is up. 

Conrad {going to door and speaking through it). In 
a moment, Lena. I have nearly finished. {Resumes 
his work.) 

Lena {after a pause). Hurry, please. Herr Di- 
rector General Stoltz has telephoned from the Works 
that he is on his way. 

Conrad closes corselet, and as he does so the arm 
falls to its place, with the hand resting on the hilt 
of the sword. He tests his work once by lifting 
the arm, and simultaneously the corselet flies open 
automatically. He restores the armor to its orig- 
inal position with a smile of satisfaction, and 
then, as if by an after-thought, picks up a pair of 
long white kid gloves from desk and throws them 
idly over the arm, gathers up his wires and lamp 
and goes to door R., unlocking and opening it, 
admitting Lena Werner. He crosses and un- 

[3] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

locks door L., opening that also. Lena is a 
flaxen-haired young woman of about eighteen or 
twenty. 

Conrad. You may come in now, Lena. I am 
through with this room. 

Lena {looking curiously about). Well, I've seen 
some curious things here, but nothing quite so re- 
markable as locking yourself up in Friderika Stahl's 
library for a whole morning. You know that Herr 
Director General Stoltz and Major Von Wrede have 
an appointment here at eleven o'clock? 

Conrad. Yes. 

Lena. What I would like to know, Conrad, is 
just why the Chief Electrician of the great Stahl 
Gun Works, with thousands of men under him, has 
to do his own work like — like a plumber. 

Conrad {laughing). There are lots of things about 
the Stahl Gun Works that many people would like to 
know, Lena dear. {Seriously.) But you are not to 
say anything to any one about my working here. 
You understand? 

[4i 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Lena. Oh, of course. Secrets — secrets every- 
where. Closed rooms and whispered conferences. 
It was always so when Uncle Heinrich was alive, and 
I suppose it will always be so. 

Conrad. You know what this plant is to the 
Empire. There are many big secrets here that the 
whole world would like to know. 

Lena. And there's a little one that I might guess. 

Conrad. Eh! Such as what? 

Lena {archly). Well, it might have to do with the 
real reason why the Chief Electrician has to do so 
many things here in the house himself and discuss 
them so often with the mistress of the Works. 

Conrad. You are absurb, Lena. Of course, 
Friderika knows all the secrets of the plant. She 
has to know them. 

Lena {with a mock courtesy). Of course, Herr Chief 
Electrician Bertholdt. 

Enter Herr Stoltz R., shown in by servant. 

2 [.S] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

He is middle-aged, heavy, and somewhat pom- 
pous and aggressive in his manner, an executive 
in his bearing. He looks about quietly and in- 
quiringly, then bows stiffly. 

Good morning, Herr Director General. 

Stoltz. Good morning, Lena. Good morning, 
Herr Chief Electrician. 

Conrad. Good morning, Herr Director General 
Stoltz. 

Lena {going). I will tell Fraulein that you are here, 
Herr Director General. She is in the drawing-room. 

{Looking mischievously over her shoulder at Conrad.) 
She is receiving Prince Otto von Mehrenburg. 

Stoltz. Another hopeless suitor, perhaps, but I 
beg that you will not disturb her. 

Conrad. But Major Count Von Wrede is ex- 
pected, is he not? 

Stoltz. Ah, I can keep him engaged until she is 
entirely at liberty. 

[6] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Lena. Very well, Herr Director General. 

(Exits L.) 

Stoltz. Have you finished ? 

Conrad. Yes. 

Stoltz. It is a very important piece of work we 
gave you to do. It is the most important that could 
be intrusted to any department of the plant — at this 
time. 

Conrad. Yes, Herr Director General. You mean 
the protection of the Works ? 

Stoltz. Of course. We are the right arm of the 
state's military power. We are too near the border 
for safety in the event of a foreign invasion. 

Conrad. I appreciate that, Herr Director Gen- 
eral. The work is practically done. 

Stoltz. Good ! And no one knows ? 

Conrad. I have made all the necessary connec- 
tions with my own hands. 

[7] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz. Excellent! Your intimacy in this house- 
hold has disarmed suspicion at your coming, you 
think? There are spies all over Stahlstadt. 

Conrad (smiling). Lena has some suspicions — 
but they are of a different nature. And she can be 
trusted. 

Stoltz. That was a very clever idea of yours, 
Herr Bertholdt, to make it possible to spike the plant 
just as we can spike a gun on the battle-field to pre- 
vent it from being used against us. 

Conrad. A heavy electrical voltage would burn 
out every armature in the plant. With our arma- 
tures burned out the plant could not be operated for 
months — a year, perhaps. The necessary voltage is 
available and can be controlled from this room. 

Stoltz. Good! Excellent! I congratulate you. 

(Walks about the room as if looking for the switch.) 
But I see no evidence of an electrical connection. 

Conrad (smiling). You would hardly expect me, 
Herr Director General, to put up printed directions 
as we do for the fire-alarm. 

[8] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz laughs. 

Stoltz. You have instructed Fraulein Stahl? 

Conrad. I will. 

Stoltz {sarcastically). Then she will tell me, I 
suppose, as much as she thinks it is good for the 
Director General to know. You are quite right, 
Bertholdt. Report to her. 

Conrad {pointedly). You think there is a possible 
danger, Herr Director General? 

Stoltz. There is always danger — to such a plant 
as ours. 

Conrad. But I mean immediate. There are 
rumors — 

Stoltz. There are always rumors of war, Herr 
Bertholdt. Rumors of war make orders for guns, and 
it is our business to make guns. 

Enter Major Count Von Wrede R., shown 
in by servant. Tie is in uniform and is very 
stiff and punctilious. He clicks his heels to- 
gether and bows formally. 

[9] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz (bowing). Good morning, Count Von 
Wrede. 

Von Wrede. Good morning, Herr Director 
General Stoltz. 

Stoltz. I hope you bring me good news of the 
health of my excellent friend, the Chancellor. 

Von Wrede. The very best — 

Hesitates, glancing at Conrad, who takes the hint, 
bows formally, and receives formal bows in re- 
turn. Exits L. 

Stoltz. A most remarkable young man, Count 
Von Wrede. Very soon the electrical world will 
know the name of Bertholdt. Heinrich Stahl 
thought much of him. 

Von Wrede. The Stahl Gun Works always find 
men like that. 

Stoltz. The spirit of Heinrich Stahl still hovers 
over this plant and directs it — through Fraulein Stahl 
and — I hope — through me. 

[10] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Von Wrede {bowing). Its power will not be less- 
ened so long as you are at its head, Herr Director 
General. 

Stoltz. That is as may be, Count Von Wrede. I 
have no actual power except through Fraulein Stahl. 
You know the will her father left. Not a policy can 
be changed, not a contract accepted, not a fire lighted 
without her expressed consent. And she has theories. 

Von Wrede. That has given the Emperor some 
concern. The Stahl Gun Works are too vital just 
now to be ruled by — shall I say, whims ? 

Stoltz. Call them what you please. (By desk. 
Picks up powder-pujff .) A powder-puff — for the Lady 
of War. 

Von Wrede (at armor). And a pair of kid gloves 
on an arm of steel. I think I see your point, Herr 
Director General. 

Stoltz. See here! Letters from kings — unopened. 

Von Wrede (picking up hook). "Eternal Peace/' 
by Emmanuel Kant — opened. 

[»] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz {exploding). That senile philosopher, of all 
writers, in the library of Our Lady of the Cannon. 
Oh, it all comes from her work with the people, her 
charities, her hospitals and playgrounds — she has no 
real thought for the business of the plant. 

Von Wrede {bowing). All the more reason why 
the state is to be congratulated, Herr Director 
General, that you are Heinrich Stahl's real successor, 
and will remain so unless — 

Stoltz. Unless what? 

Von Wrede. Unless FrauleinStahl should marry. 
That would solve all the difficulties. 

Stoltz. Huh! Small chance of that. I've seen 
them come with their souls in their eyes, and Tve 
seen them go with their hearts in their boots. 
Princes, Counts, Barons, and Commoners — they 
are all the same to Fraulein. Why, a crippled child 
here in Stahlstadt, or a sick old woman, means more 
to her than all the suitors that have ever come. No, 
there's no solution that way. 

Von Wrede. Yes, I know. But the Chancellor 

[12] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

is as desirous of your co-operation here as you are of 
his in Berlin. 

Stoltz. Of that he is sure. But you do well to 
remind me, Count Von Wrede. This situation dis- 
tracts me sometimes. {Anxiously.) What news do 
you bring me from the Chancellor? 

Von Wrede {looking cautiously about). The Per- 
sian Gulf question is not to be settled by diplomacy. 

Stoltz {overjoyed). Ah! Good! Then the Chan- 
cellor listened to you? 

Von Wrede. Yes, and he is determined. The 
Emperor has borne England's insults all over the 
world for years. Now comes this selfish closing of 
the outlet of the great Bagdad Railway to the Per- 
sian Gulf, and the time has come for us to assert 
ourselves. Oh, how patiently we have waited for 
this day! 

Stoltz {rubbing his hands). Then it's England, 
first? 

Von Wrede. Perfidious Albion — first? 

[13] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz. And then? 

Von Wrede. France has not forgotten Alsace- 
Lorraine. 

Stoltz. Austria and Italy will take care of 
Russia. We have heavy orders for guns from 
Vienna and Rome. It is perfect, but — 

Von Wrede. But what? 

Stoltz. Has the Chancellor considered the pos- 
sibility of armed intervention by the United States — 
or an alliance with England ? 

Von Wrede. Bah! Spineless peace will be her 
policy. 

Stoltz. I'm not so sure of that. The Stahl Gun 
Works have agents in Washington as well as in Ber- 
lin. There's something going on. We cannot find 
out what it is. 

Von Wrede. America will stand aside — but feed 
the fighters, at a good profit. Trust the Yankees 
for that. Yet I'll admit that the new American 

[Hi 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Ambassador is giving the Chancellor something to 
think about. 

Stoltz. We must chance it. And the first blow ? 

Von Wrede (again looking very cautiously about). 
We cross the channel. (Raising his hand as if giving 
a toast.) It is "The Day!" 

Stoltz (raising both arms high). The invasion of 
England! Heinrich Stahl's dream! The dream be- 
hind this great plant! Oh, for one hour of Heinrich 
Stahl! (Briskly.) Count Von Wrede, you have 
done well. You have served your Fatherland. 
Rulers are sometimes ungrateful. Heinrich Stahl 
never was. He knew how to reward. I have here a 
little token of our recognition. (Takes fiat packet 
from his pocket and hands it to Von Wrede.) 

Von Wrede (taking packet and glancing at it> then 
sharply at Stoltz). These are bonds of the Great 
Bagdad Railway? 

Stoltz. Assuredly. 

Von Wrede. But — I did not know — 

[iSl 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz. That the Stahl Gun Works were inter- 
ested? Very few do. But the Berlin syndicate 
came to Heinrich Stahl to finance that project. 
What more natural? A German owned and con- 
trolled railroad that will make a shorter route to 
British India than the Suez Canal ought to be a good 
investment. 

Von Wrede (smiling). Yes. For the Stahl Gun 
Works. 

Stoltz. I hope you do not doubt the value of 
those bonds — as an investment, I mean. 

Von Wrede. Not for a moment. Whether that 
railroad merely makes money or makes war, I am 
more than satisfied with your generosity. My small 
efforts do not deserve so much. (Glancing at bonds 
again.) But they are not transferred. 

Stoltz. Merely a matter of form. (Holding out 
his hand.) I brought them this morning for Fraulein 
Stahl's signature. She — she is detained a few mo- 
ments, and I do not like to disturb her. 

Von Wrede (handing back packet). Yes — I know. 

[16] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz {impressively). It is the Prince Otto von 
fvlehrenburg. 

Von Wrede {smiling). Yes, I know that, too. 
He came down from Berlin with me. 

Stoltz. Oh, yes. I see. 

Von Wrede {laughing). But you don't see very 
much, Herr Director General. Your eyes are all for 
business. The Emperor looks after the welfare of 
his people somewhat more closely. 

Stoltz. Yes — yes, of course, but in what particu- 
lar way? 

Von Wrede. You have opened my eyes to some 
things to-day, Herr Director General, that I saw only 
dimly before. Perhaps there is a surprise in store 
for you. 

Stoltz. For me? A surprise? 

Von Wrede {enjoying the situation). You are a 
very able man, Herr Director General. You can see 
the business of the Stahl Gun Works around the 

[i7l 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

world — or through it. You can pull your wires and 
make your statesmen dance to the tune of many 
national anthems, but you have admitted that Frau- 
lein Stahl does not listen to your piping. 

Stoltz {stiffening). Something about that seems 
to amuse you, Count Von Wrede. 

Von Wrede. It does. You are very far-sighted, 
but far-sighted people do not see what lies closest to 
them. 

Stoltz {impatient). Well? Well? 

Von Wrede {mysteriously). Prince Otto is very 
assiduous in his attentions. 

Stoltz {with a shrug). What of that? 

Von Wrede. The letters of the Emperor and of 
the Chancellor have not remained there — unopened. 

Stoltz {amazed). The Emperor and the Chan- 
cellor have been urging Prince Otto! 

Von Wrede. Just so, my friend. You see, the 

[18] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Emperor is more far-seeing than you. The unques- 
tioning loyalty of the Stahl Gun Works was never 
so essential as now. So you see — the charming 
Friderika should marry — and the Prince is a friend of 
the Emperor. 

Stoltz. Ach! Where have been my eyes ? It is 
a tempting bait. He is of the highest nobility, and 
she — well, her grandfather worked at the forge. It 
would solve everything. But no — she has refused 
them all. 

Von Wrede (smiling). But when the Emperor 
pleads ? 

Stoltz. I think she would laugh. 

Von Wrede (very much pleased with himself). 
Then why should she have consented to discuss the 
matter with the Prince here to-day? 

Stoltz (surprised). She has done that? 

Von Wrede. And you need have no fear, Herr 
Director General. Such a solution would merely 
strengthen your hand, not weaken it. The Chan- 
cellor wished me particularly to assure you at the 

[19] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

right time of the government's entire confidence in 
you. 

Stoltz. Well! Well! This is good news. 
(Shakes Von Wrede's hand warmly.) 

Enter Frau Werner and Lena L. Frau 
Werner is a sweet-featured woman of about 
seventy. 

Frau Werner. Good morning, Count Von 
Wrede. We are glad to see you here in Stahlstadt. 

Von Wrede (making stiff punctilious bow). Good 
morning, Frau Werner. 

Frau Werner. Good morning, Herr Director 
General Stoltz. 

Stoltz bows and replies. 

I expected to find my niece, Friderika, here. 

Stoltz. We are waiting for her, Frau Werner. 

Frau Werner. She sent a servant to say that 
she wanted to see Lena and myself here in the library 

[20] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

at once. It seems very strange for Friderika to be so 
formal. It is not like her. 

Von Wrede (to Stoltz). That seems to promise 
something. 

Frau Werner. Is anything wrong? 

Stoltz. Far from it, I should say, Frau Werner. 
You may assure yourself entirely. 

Frau Werner (relieved). Oh, I am very glad. 
Here she is. 

Enter Friderika Stahl L., followed by Prince 
Otto von Mehrenburg. Friderika is a 

hearty », wholesome young woman of about twenty- 
five^ about whom there is a suggestion of latent 
strength and power. She is rather typically 
German in appearance, open and frank in her 
manner, very democratic and free from ceremony, 
abounding in vitality and animal spirits. She 
justifies in her appearance what has been said 
about her humanitarian interests, for she is the 
kind of woman who naturally zvins sympathy, 
especially from inferiors. Prince Otto is a 

3 [21] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

strikingly handsome young man with a fine 
military carriage which is accentuated by the 
uniform that he wears as an officer of the Garde de 
Corps. If any criticism were to be made of him 
it would be that, despite his unquestioned orna- 
mental value, there is something verging upon 
the effeminate or, at least, luxurious about 
him. 

Friderika. Good morning, Count Von Wrede! 
Good morning, Herr Director General Stoltz! 

Both men bow formally. Prince Otto very po- 
lite to Frau Werner. 

Von Wrede. I present you the Chancellor's 
compliments. 

Friderika. We are full of compliments this 
morning. (To Frau Werner.) Dear aunt, you 
look as if you were waiting for something dreadful 
to happen. 

Prince Otto and Von Wrede have exchanged 
glances of understanding. Stoltz is very ex- 
pectant. 

[22] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Frau Werner. You sent for us, Friderika — for 
Lena and for me. Is it something important? 

Friderika. Why, yes; I suppose so. I have just 
told Prince Otto that I would marry him. I wanted 
my own household to know of it first. 

Lena {joyously). Oh, Friderika! {Rushes to her 
and kisses her.) 

Frau Werner. Oh, my child ! Heinrich's daugh- 
ter to be a princess ! 

Prince Otto. Yes, it is quite true. I have suc- 
ceeded in convincing Fraulein Stahl that the peasants 
on my estates need some of the same care that she 
gives to the working-people here at Stahlstadt. 

Stoltz. Fraulein Stahl, permit me to express my 
satisfaction. This is a very happy day for Stahl- 
stadt. {He kisses Friderika's hand. Then to Prince 
Otto.) Your Highness, I congratulate you. 

Prince Otto. I am indeed to be congratulated. 

Von Wrede {to Friderika). Fraulein Stahl, may 

[23] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

I add my felicitations. {Kisses her hand.) Your 
Highness — {to Prince Otto) — with your permission, 
I will telegraph this good news to the Emperor and 
to the Chancellor. 

Prince Otto {bowing). If you will, please. But 
my car is waiting. I will drive you. 

Friderika. You will return for luncheon, and you 
will bring Count Von Wrede back with you? 

Von Wrede bows. 

You see, I really had made an appointment with 
Herr Director General Stoltz for this hour — some 
stupid business — and then I want to wheedle him a 
bit, also. You'll not mind very much, will you? 
I have a pet project that I want to begin on at 
once. 

Prince Otto {bowing). Your wishes will always be 
my commands. 

Friderika {by desk, looking over memorandum). 
That's very nice now, isn't it? Let me see — oh, 
aunt, we shall have to make luncheon a little later 

[24] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

to-day. That curious American is at the hotel and 
I have promised to see him at twelve. 

Prince Otto. An American ? 

Friderika. Yes; the new American Ambassador 
you know. I met him at Baden-Baden. 

Stoltz and Von Wrede exchange glances. 

I wonder why he's here. We've had Japanese, and 
Chinese, and Singalese, and Siamese here on business, 
but no Yankees. He can't be looking for guns, can 
he, Herr Director General? 

Stoltz. No, Fraulein, we sell guns to every na- 
tion except the United States. 

Von Wrede. Those people make more noise with 
their mouths than they do with guns. 

Friderika. That doesn't matter. I like him. 
He will not remain for luncheon. He's leaving 
Stahlstadt to-day — and he only came this morning. 

Von Wrede. That's the American way, Fraulein 

[25] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stahl. Fifteen minutes for a visit to a Rhine castle 
and five minutes for luncheon. Your Ambassador 
is giving Stahlstadt a great deal of time. (With a 
glance at Stoltz.) 

Friderika. Well, I imagine he'll get what he 
came for. He seems that kind of a man. We will 
have luncheon at two. 

Prince Otto bows, kisses Friderika's handy 
bows punctiliously to Frau Werner and Lena, 
and exits R. 9 accompanied by Von Wrede, who 
has also made his formal bows in military style. 

Frau Werner. Oh, Friderika, I do hope you will 
be very happy. A princess ! God bless you, dear! 

Lena (bubbling over). And may I go to court, and 
wear a long train, and be a grand lady-in-waiting? 
And, oh, Friderika, you will let me be a bridesmaid ? 
Say you will. 

Friderika (kissing her). Of course, you silly little 
goose-girl! You shall go wherever I go. But run 
along now, or Herr Director General Stoltz will begin 
to get impatient. 

[26] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Exeunt Frau Werner and Lena L. 

Friderika. Now, Herr Director General Stoltz, 
I am entirely at your service. 

Stoltz {sarcastically). Business last of all things, 
Fraulein. 

Friderika. Now, you're going to scold. Please 
don't. I have something more important here to 
talk about. Do you know, I must build a new wing 
for the hospital. I want to make a special ward for 
the children, and a day nursery with big play-rooms 
and toys. See, here are the plans. They were sub- 
mitted this morning. {Taking up a roll of blue- 
prints.) I shall need a lot of money. 

Stoltz. Your charities have been very many, 
Fraulein,. and everybody loves you for them, but let 
me remind you that you could not have indulged 
yourself in this way had your father not attended 
to business. 

Friderika. Yes, he made all these things pos- 
sible. Think of the good his work has done. And 
now the dividends are large, so why should we com- 

[27] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

plain? (Coaxing.) The last war-scare built the new 
hospital. Can't we get up a little one now that will 
build the wing for the children? 

Stoltz. Fraulein Stahl, I must protest! See this 
correspondence (going to table) — your pardon — but 
here is a letter from the King of Siam — unopened. 

Friderika. Oh, yes, I remember. I didn't want 
to open that because I would have to reply and ask 
after each one of his eighteen sons by name, and I 
can't remember them. 

Stoltz. Here's another letter from a friend of the 
Emperor — Prince Reuss-Greitz-Schleitz-Von Lobin- 
stein und Eberowalde — 

Friderika (laughing and making grimace). Prince 
Reuss-Greitz-Schleitz-Von Lobinstein und Ebero- 
walde — that funny little man with his funny little 
principality — always negotiating for fourteen-inch 
guns. Send to Nuremberg, Herr Stoltz, and buy 
him a toy cannon with my compliments. (Goes to 
table and, picking up hand-mirror, powders her nose.) 

Stoltz (very seriously). Fraulein Stahl, you must 

[28] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

be serious. Don't you realize that we stand on the 
verge of the greatest war the world has ever seen ? 

Friderika (lightly). Who is it this time? France? 

Stoltz. France will be in it, but even now prepa- 
rations are nearly complete for the invasion of 
England by our troops. 

Friderika (looks at him blankly for a moment, then 
bursts into a peal of laughter) . Dear Herr Stoltz, what 
a wonderful man you are! Why, I could almost kiss 
you for that. Here, I ask you to get up a little scare 
so that I can put a new wing on the hospital, and all 
the time you have been planning this big one. This 
means — oh, yes — now I'll give Stahlstadt that new 
Museum of Art I have been planning. Oh, you 
darling, Herr Stoltz! 

Stoltz {throwing up his hands). It's impossible! 
But you must forget these things long enough to pay 
attention to the business of the Works — at least until 
the Prince is in a position to relieve you from these 
cares. 

Friderika {glancing at him sharply). Indeed! 

[29] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz. I have some important papers here for 
you to sign now. ( Taking packet of bonds from his 
pocket.) 

Enter Lena R. 

Lena. Cousin Friderika, old Sergeant Boehling 
and Frau Boehling want to see you very much. 
They were being sent away because you were busy, 
but I told them to wait. Their son is with them. 

Friderika. You did quite right, Lena. Have 
them sent in. 

Exit Lena R. 

(To Stoltz.) I cannot keep them waiting, you 
know. 

Stoltz (choking). Of course not. The business of 
the Stahl Gun Works can wait. (Puts bonds back in 
pocket.) The affairs of the Empire can wait. But a 
superannuated old pensioner — he cannot wait. 

Friderika (quietly). That's just it, Herr Stoltz. 
He is old — he hasn't so much time left. Now, don't 

[30] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

be cross. I'll be good, and after luncheon we'll take 
up all the stupid business matters you wish. You 
know very well that I want to leave all these things 
to you — the business things, I mean. What my 
father really left me was the charge of and the wel- 
fare of these thousands of workers, toiling out there 
for me. Don't you think my first duty is to 
them? 

Stoltz. Don't you think your first duty is to see 
that their prosperity continues ? 

Friderika. Oh, that, of course. 

Stoltz (going). Good morning, Fraulein Stahl. 

Friderika. Good morning, Herr Director Gen- 
eral. 

Herr Stoltz exits as Sergeant Boehling en- 
ters, assisted by his son and accompanied by 
Frau Boehling. Sergeant Boehling is a 

grizzled and picturesque old veteran of about 
seventy- five, somewhat infirm from age. Hugo, 
about forty-three, is undersized, of a highly nervous 
nature, shown by the constant working of his 

[31] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

face and by the fact that he is sufficiently far 
advanced with locomotor ataxia that he requires 
the use of crutches. Frau Boehling, about 
seventy, is typically of the German peasant 
class. 

Friderika. I am glad to see you, Frau Boehling. 
Let me put you in this chair, Sergeant. {Pushing 
big chair forward.) 

Sergeant Boehling. Hugo needs it more than I 
do, Fraulein. 

Friderika {pushing another chair forward and 
laughing). We have two, you know. 

Sergeant sits. Hugo in large chair, Frau 
Boehling standing. 

Aren't you any better, Sergeant? This weather 
ought to be good for you. 

Sergeant Boehling. For more than forty years, 
Fraulein, have I carried this old wound from Sedan. 
The seasons come and the seasons go, but they are 
the same to me. Useless — useless. 

[32] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. A living example of a brave soldier is 
not useless. You risked your life for your country. 

Hugo {bitterly). And mine. And I'm not a hero. 
And my brother's and his children's. And they draw 
no pensions. 

Frau Boehling. Hush, Hugo! We are in trou- 
ble, Fraulein, and everybody said we should come 
to you. 

Friderika. Of course you should. That's what 
everybody here in Stahlstadt should do. What is it? 

Frau Boehling {fumbling in pocket and producing 
letter which she hands to Friderika). I have a letter 
here from my other son, Hans, in Chemnitz. 

Friderika {taking letter). He is well, I hope. 

Frau Boehling. It is not well with him. He has 
always been weak and sickly, and the children, they 
have had much sickness. He could not do much, and 
he could not always pay his taxes. They are very 
heavy upon us, Fraulein. And little by little they 
have taken nearly all that he had — even the furniture 

[ 33 1 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

from his little home. It has been very hard even 
when he could work, but now he cannot work at all. 

Friderika. Oh, I am sorry, I did not know that 
he was ill. How can I help you? {Hands back 
letter.) 

Frau Boehling. He is not bad like my Hugo. 
He could work some, but all of the mills in Chemnitz 
are shutting down. It was hard enough for them to 
live before. How are they to live at all now? 

Friderika. The mills are shutting down? Why, 
we are working overtime here. 

Frau Boehling. Yes, here you make guns. 
There they spin. They are afraid. 

Friderika. Afraid? Afraid of what ? 

Frau Boehling. Of the war. 

Friderika. Of the war? Nonsense. 

Sergeant Boehling. No, Fraulein. I was a 
young man when we fought the French. It was in 

[34] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

the air then before it came. It is in the air now. 
My old wounds feel it. 

Hugo. The whole country feels it, Fraulein, 
except in Stahlstadt. Here we thrive on war, but 
everywhere else there is panic. And who will pay? 
We, the people, my father, and I and my brother 
and his children, and their children. 

Friderika. But what can I do? 

Frau Boehling. My Hugo has said it. Here in 
Stahlstadt there is work for all. Let me bring my 
boy and his family here where work can be found 
for them in the gun-plant. 

Friderika. Why, certainly. I will speak to Herr 
Director General Stoltz about it to-day, and to Herr 
Chief Electrician Bertholdt about it at once. (Rings 
bell.) 

Hugo (bitterly). Can you bring the whole city of 
Chemnitz to Stahlstadt? Can you bring Krefeld 
and Aachen? There are other workers there who 
will face want besides my brother. Can you house 
them all? Give employment to them all, except 

[35 1 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

those that are to go to the front to sacrifice their 
lives or the lives of those that come after them ? 

Friderika. Oh, no, no. {Then to servant who has 
entered.) Please ask Herr Chief Electrician Bertholdt 
to come here. {To Hugo.) Why, for as long as I 
can remember we have had these war-scares every 
now and then, but see how at peace we have been 
with the whole world. 

Hugo. Yes, the peace of exhaustion and the peace 
of force. But not the peace of love. Now we have 
ripened a new generation for the Reaper. Do you 
know what this war is going to mean, Fraulein? 
It means that the workers will destroy each other; 
destroy the product of their own labor and then, 
when it is all over, the remnant will bear the losses 
for all. 

Friderika. It would be very awful, Herr Boeh- 
ling! But there is such a thing as patriotism and 
pride in your Fatherland. 

Enter Conrad. He remains unobserved by door. 

Hugo. Patriotism! Pride in my Fatherland! 

[36] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

What pride has my Fatherland in me? My father 
had the patriotism — he is the hero — I am the result. 

Frau Boehling. Oh, Fraulein Stahl, do not listen 
to Hugo. All his life he could not work. He could 
only sit and think. Sometimes he makes me think, 
too. 

Friderika. But I want to know what he means. 

Hugo. War took my father, Fraulein. It took 
the best years of his life, his health, and his strength. 
My mother worked so that my father might help 
make other women widows. And then they sent 
him back to her, wounded, useless to the world as a 
producer. Bullets did not kill him — there's only one 
chance in a hundred of death in that way, but he 
had but one chance in four of escaping the corruption 
of camp, rotten to the core from the vile stench of 
barrack life; but he came home a hero — to perpetu- 
ate the Fatherland. And then I came — a hero's son. 
{Tottering to his feet.) Look at me. The next 
generation from war. And you talk to me of pride in 
my Fatherland! 

Sergeant Boehling groans and buries his face 

4 [371 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

in his hands. Frau Boehling goes to him 
sympathetically. 

Friderika. Herr Boehling, you — you are hurt- 
ing your father. 

Hugo. I suppose so, but I don't mean to. He 
knows how I feel. I don't blame him so much. 
He was no worse than the other heroes in camp. 
And he knows what the thing we call patriotism does 
to a nation for generation after generation. He sees 
his own grandchildren, puny weaklings, growing up 
to perpetuate this pride in the Fatherland. Pa- 
triotism! Take our best, the brave and the strong! 
Send them to the front to kill and be killed in the 
name of patriotism! Leave behind the lame, the 
halt, and the blind to become the fathers of the 
next generation! God, how I've longed for home 
and wife, and for children of my own at my knee! 
But the Fatherland took them nearly fifty years 
ago. It took not only the living but the un- 
born. 

Sergeant Boehling with a moan holds out his 
arms imploringly to Hugo. Conrad comes 
down quickly. 

[38] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Conrad. I think you have startled Fraulein Stahl 
a little, Herr Boehling. She has not thought much 
on these things. {Helps Hugo with his crutches.) 

Friderika. Yes, Conrad, you are right. I — I 
am startled. Do not worry, Frau Boehling. {Goes 
to desk.) Here is money. Bring your son and his 
family to Stahlstadt. I will see that they are pro- 
vided for. But I'm quite sure that you are wrong 
and that there's not going to be any war. Even if 
there is, none of my people shall suffer. 

Hands money to Frau Boehling. Sergeant 
rises, assisted by Frau and Friderika. Con- 
rad helps Hugo. 

Frau Boehling {by door). God bless you, Frau- 
lein. I knew that you would help us. 

Exeunt Sergeant, Frau Boehling, and Hugo. 

Friderika {coming down and with a shudder). 
Conrad, this is awful! If it should be true, as they 
think! 

Conrad. It is true. 

[39] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. No, no, I cannot believe it. Why, 
we have been through all this before. We've had 
rumors of wars and the orders have come for guns, 
and the dividends have been large, and — think, 
think of all I have been able to do for these people, 
and they are contented and happy. And I have a 
plan, Conrad, to build a great opera-house for them, 
and a fest-hall, where we can turn the roar of the 
guns into music for them — into harmony instead of 
discord. 

Conrad. Yes, yes, I know. But it is true just the 
same. Haven't you watched the intrigues and the 
cross-intrigues of the secret diplomacy of Europe 
that are bringing us up to the verge of the inevitable 
world war? 

Friderika. I have not thought of that. I have 
been thinking of my people here. 

Conrad. Pawns in the great game that is played 
by the masters — the Chancellor and those behind 
him. Do you happen to remember whether or 
not in the estate left to you by your father there 
were any securities of the Great Bagdad Rail- 
road ? 

[40] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. Why — the name sounds familiar. 
Herr Stoltz would know. 

Conrad. Yes, Herr Stoltz would know. And if 
you should ask him what it meant perhaps he would 
tell you that it was a German-owned railroad, built 
on Turkish concessions, that strikes at the heart of 
British interests in India. Down the wasted and 
useless valley of the Euphrates it runs to Koweit 
on the Persian Gulf. And Britain, threatened, 
schemes and acquires a protectorate over the 
principality of Koweit and closes the outlet 
of the German railroad to the sea. There is the 
shadow of conflict, and conflict means war — 
and war and threats of war mean guns — and 
profits. 

Friderika. Oh, Conrad! You have been here 
too long to be deceived by these appearances. You 
know that all of this diplomacy and scheming does 
not necessarily mean war. 

Conrad. It does this time. I am sure of it. I 
know it. 

Friderika. You know it? How? 

[41] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Conrad. Why do you suppose I have been work- 
ing here secretly in this house — in this room — for the 
past two weeks ? 

Friderika. Why, how should I know? 

Conrad. And yet you signed the order — don't 
you remember? — about a month ago. 

Friderika. The order? For what? 

Conrad. That I should devise a plan to protect 
this plant. 

Friderika. From what? 

Conrad. From a possible invading force. 

Friderika. Why, yes, I remember something 
about it now. But I don't know what it means. 
Tell me. 

Conrad. It means that for the first time since 
you and I can remember, Friderika, there is actual 
fear for the safety of this plant from a foreign force. 
Can't you understand? They have cried "Wolf" 

[42] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

so often that you cannot realize that now the whole 
pack is snarling. 

Friderika. Then it is true ? 

Conrad. See here. This is what I have done. 
You should know. (Goes to armor, and, lifting arm, 
the corselet flies open, disclosing switch.) Look! Our 
electrical-power station is the key to the plant. 
Without power the entire plant would become use- 
less. If a heavy voltage were to be thrown through 
them all the armatures in the plant would be burned 
out; every wheel in Stahlstadt would become idle. 
That voltage is waiting in reserve, controlled by a 
switch in my office. This is an auxiliary, and will 
move the other. Throw down this switch and 
every armature in the plant will be destroyed. 
The Stahl Gun Works will be paralyzed for months, 
for a year perhaps. Do you think that work was 
ordered just to keep me amused? (Closes corselet.) 
Do you think that such a desperate device would be 
thought of without great cause? No, this work 
that I have just finished is the proof of the truth of 
what I am telling you, that these rumors and these 
fears are true — that a war which will involve all the 
nations of Europe is at hand. 

[43] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. It is too awful. It — it cannot be 
true. It is unbelievable. 

Conrad. No. For years I have seen the steady 
building of the great war machine. I have been a 
part of it. I have grown up here in Stahlstadt. At 
first I saw only the details of my own department, but 
what I see now is that just as my work is the key to 
this plant, so is this plant the key to the whole war 
plan — the plan to kill and maim by wholesale and 
crush and destroy in the name of patriotism. 

Friderika. But to me this plant is not that. 
Look at it there, a monument to my father's life-work 
and genius and that of his father before him. I love 
every brick and stone of it. I love to watch the 
smoke that pours from its chimneys, for it means 
work, service — service for others. One hundred 
thousand men and their families — my own people — 
draw their sustenance from there. And you tell 
me, Conrad, that what my father built was wrong — 
was wicked? 

Conrad. Look at that smoke hovering over the 
city. It will spread and spread until it overshadows 
the whole country — the whole world. It is the pall 

[44] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

of death. It will shut out the sun from millions of 
desolated homes, the light from out of millions of 
human hearts. Do you remember the romance — 
the English woman's story — of Frankenstein, the 
German scientist, who created a man — a being that 
lived and breathed, but a being that was without 
heart, or soul, or spirit — a monster — a fiend incar- 
nate? That is what your father built there, a 
monster of power, of potential energy, but without 
heart, soul, or conscience, and now this monster is to 
bellow forth to the world its message of misery, 
desolation, and death. 

Friderika {shudders). No, no, Conrad! 

Conrad. Yes, I say, yes. Oh, it's come to me in 
these past few weeks, the horror of it all. So long as 
my work seemed to be for the plant, for Stahlstadt, 
and for — {choking) — you, I was content. But now 
that it has come to me what it all means to all of us, 
to the whole world, I cannot stay. I wish to resign 
my position. 

Friderika {startled). To resign? 

Conrad. Yes, as soon as my place can be filled. 

[45] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika {earnestly). Conrad — your place can 
never be filled, here in Stahlstadt. Why, you are a 
part of it, a part of the plant, a part of our lives — a part 
of mine. I need you. Your future is here — some day 
you will succeed Herr Stoltz. You — you — cannot. 

Conrad. I am going away. 

Friderika. No — no — Conrad I 

Conrad. I am going away from the smell of 
powder and blood that is already in my nostrils. 

Friderika. You cannot do that. 

Conrad. I shall go to America. 

Friderika. Conrad — you must not — 

Conrad. I must, I tell you! You ask me what 
Stahlstadt would be without me? I ask you what 
Stahlstadt would be to me with you not here — at 
court, wearing a crown? 

Friderika. Then — then you have heard of my 
engagement ? 

[46] 



T HE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Conrad. Yes; Lena told me. 

Friderika. And you have not congratulated me? 

Conrad (with a bitter laugh). Congratulate you? 
Because this Frankenstein monster now has even you 
in its grasp? Oh, everybody here has known that it 
would have to come some day — that the Emperor's 
wishes would prevail and that the plant would have 
a master instead of a mistress, that even your own 
heart would be made a plaything of by the Chancel- 
lor and that your marriage would be arranged as 
a matter of state policy. 

Friderika (quietly). Conrad, you must explain 
that. 

Conrad. Forgive me, Friderika; I did not mean 
to speak so. I forgot myself. 

Friderika. You mean — that — that — the Prince 
Otto von Mehrenburg sought me — because — he was 
so ordered? 

Conrad. Why, can't you see, Friderika? The 
Stahl Gun Works are vital to the Chancellor's plans 

[47] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

and to the Emperor's. There was no son to succeed, 
and so — recall the words of the marriage pledge: 
"He shall be your ruler and you shall be his vassal." 

Friderika. Yes — if love ruled! And Prince 
Otto loves me. 

Servant enters with card. Friderika glances at 
it and fulls herself together. 

"Honorable Stephen Channing." The American 
Ambassador. Show him in. 

Exit servant. 

Conrad. I will go. 

Friderika. No; please wait. He will know 
whether these preparations really mean war. Per- 
haps you are overwrought, Conrad. 

Enter Stephen Channing R. He is a tall, 
spare man of middle age, smooth-shaven, homely 
and rugged, but immaculately dressed. His eyes 
are kindly and almost sad. His mouth can lift 
in a smile that, with the eyes, lights the whole face 

[48] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

humorously, or it can shut like a steel trap. His 
manners are easy and unconventional without 
any suggestion of vulgarity. Friderika greets 
him. 

Channing. You see I've taken you at your word, 
Fraulein Stahl, and just dropped in without cer- 
emony. 

Friderika. I am glad you did, your Excellency. 
I want you to meet our chief electrician, Herr 
Bertholdt. 

Channing. Conrad Bertholdt, eh? Oh, yes, I 
know about him. Glad to meet you, sir. {Goes to 
Conrad and shakes hands with him.) 

Conrad. Thank you, your Excellency. 

Channing. The Stahl Gun Works are pretty well 
off for assets, but I think he's about your best one, 
Fraulein Stahl. That process of his producing 
electro-steel through electric furnaces has made the 
world look up. 

Friderika {pleased). Then you know about that ? 

[49] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Channing. Why, bless you, yes. We have to 
know about all kinds of things in our country. I 
really feel quite at home here in Stahlstadt. My 
home is near Pittsburg, you know. 

Conrad. I suppose that is where I shall go. 

Channing. You are thinking of going to America ? 

Conrad. Yes, your Excellency. 

Channing. Oh, then, of course you will see 
Pittsburg — if you have luck and the wind is strong. 

Conrad. Probably I shall settle there. 

Channing. Settle there? (Looking sharply at 
Friderika.) You don't mean to say that you are 
not coming back here? 

Friderika. He — he is resigning his position. 

Channing (deliberately). Hm! I thought Ger- 
many particularly wanted all her best men — just now! 

Friderika. That's just it, your Excellency. 
Herr Bertholdt thinks that war is inevitable. 

[So] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Channing (to Conrad). Running away, eh? 

Conrad (flushing and controlling himself with 
effort). Yes, your Excellency. 

Channing (looking at him sharply). What's the 
idea? You don't look to me like the running kind. 
Are you afraid? 

Conrad. Yes, your Excellency. 

Channing. It takes a mighty brave man to be 
afraid — and admit it. Tell me about it. 

Friderika. What Herr Bertholdt means to say, 
your Excellency, is that he is opposed to war and does 
not care to have any part in it. 

Channing (turning to Conrad). That right? 

Conrad. Yes, your Excellency. 

Channing. Funny idea — to find in this country ? 

Conrad. Not among the people, your Excellency ! 
Go among the men, the workers, hear them talk as 

[Si] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

I do, and you will know that there is no war spirit 
among them. 

Channing. But you will not be called to bear 
arms — you are most important here. 

Conrad. Were my own life all, that would 
be nothing — but here, don't you see, your Ex- 
cellency, I am a part of a machine that will 
kill not one, but thousands ! That's why I am 
afraid. 

Channing. Hm! I see. Well, if you should 
happen to go to the United States I think I can 
answer for an opening for you. Just look me up 
before you start. We need men like you. 

Conrad. Thank you, your Excellency. 

Friderika. But, your Excellency, you know 
about all these things. Is it true? Are we facing a 
great world war? 

Channing. Why, most people seem to think so. 
Consols have dropped — they are the barometer, you 
know— all the world's markets are in panics — every- 

[5*1 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

body buttoning up pockets — it looks rather bad, I'm 
bound to admit. 

Friderika. Butyour own opinion,your Excellency? 

Channing. Oh, that doesn't amount to much. 
All these preparations aren't necessarily symptoms, 
you know. I remember hearing of a story about a 
very wise old physician once who gave one of his 
young students this bit of good advice: "If you 
happen to see a saddle under the bed don't jump at 
the conclusion that the patient has a spavin." 

Conrad. But, your Excellency, if a man mort- 
gages his house to buy an automobile, isn't it 
reasonable to suppose that he is going to take a ride? 

Channing. Why, yes, I suppose so — unless — 
well, unless somebody steals his spark-plugs. 

Conrad and Friderika smile. 

Friderika. But how can it be prevented? 

Channing. Well, that's to be seen. There'll be 
no war if I succeed in my mission. 
5 [53] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Friderika. Your mission? What is it? 

Channing. Peace. 

Friderika. You are making me think — you are 
all making me think — you and Conrad and Hugo 
Boehling — if there was only something I could do! 

Channing. There is. 

Friderika. Tell me what it is. I will do it. 

Channing. Keep on thinking — make other peo- 
ple think. People who think will never go to war. 

Friderika. But it is not the people that make 
war — it is the rulers. 

Channing. Quite right, my dear young lady. I 
wish the people appreciated that more fully. Do 
you know, rather a funny thing occurred to me as I 
was driving here this morning and passed this won- 
derful plant? Your father named you Friderika. 

Friderika. Yes, for the late Emperor — his 
friend. 

[S4l 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Channing. It means "Princess of Peace," if I 
remember rightly. 

Friderika (smiling). Yes. 

Channing. And yet they call you "Our Lady of 
War" and "The Lady of the Cannon." Very 
poetic, but rather contradictory, is it not? 

Friderika. Why, I never thought of that. 

Channing. And what a wonderful power you 
have as sole mistress of that great plant! Why, you 
speak of rulers — this great nation, with all its 
strength, would hesitate to go to war without the 
power of that plant behind it. And all that power 
rests in the hands of "The Princess of Peace." I 
rather like that fancy. The Princess of Peace con- 
trolling the power of war. (Looking at his watch 
quickly.) By Jove! I have to get back to Berlin 
to-night, and there isn't much time. 

Conrad. I would like to talk with you. May I 
go to your train with you? 

Channing. Certainly; glad to have you — if you 

[ssi 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

don't think it will create an international complica- 
tion. Good-by, Fraulein Stahl. 

Friderika. Good-by, your Excellency. 

Channing. I know it's not a popular diversion — 
but keep on thinking. 

Exeunt Channing and Conrad R. Friderika 

goes slowly up to window and looks out over the 
plant. She turns and comes down thoughtfully 
to library table. Her eyes fall on the book laid 
down by Herr Stoltz. Picks it up and 
begins to read, then sits as if something has 
caught and held her attention. Prince Otto 
enters R. 

Prince Otto {makes formal bow). Friderika! 

Friderika {starts). Why, you are back soon. 
Where is Count Von Wrede? 

Prince Otto. He will be here presently. The 
American Ambassador would not remain? 

Friderika. No. 

[56] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Prince Otto. I wonder what he is doing in 
Stahlstadt? 

Friderika. Making me think. 

Prince Otto. He's making the Chancellor think 
a little, too, I fancy. We can't quite make him out, 
or what his plan is. 

Friderika. Does it concern us so much, then? 

Prince Otto. Do you know why Count Von 
Wrede is here? 

Friderika. Something about more guns, I be- 
lieve. 

Prince Otto. More guns? I should think so. 
The Stahl Gun Works have never secured such an 
order before. We must — 

Friderika. We? 

Prince Otto. Oh, you will pardon me, Friderika, 
if I seem to anticipate a little and make your interest 
my own. 

[57] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. But, if this war that everybody is 
talking about comes on, you will have to join your 
regiment — will you not? 

Prince Otto. Oh, no. The Chancellor will see to 
that. I shall be needed here. 

Friderika. Here? 

Prince Otto. By your side, surely. 

Friderika. - You have this from the Chan- 
cellor ? 

Prince Otto. Yes. 

Friderika. And you think the war will come on? 

Prince Otto. Think? I know. Why, the Chan- 
cellor has no more idea of settling this matter with 
England by diplomatic means than you have of — of 
shutting down the gun-works. That's why these 
negotiations have been so prolonged, so that we may 
finish our preparations. Now we are ready. In a 
few days the first movement will be made. We are 
going to make Herr John Bull pay for all his insults 

[58] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

of twenty-five years, and — it is "The Day" (as if 
giving toast). 

Friderika (pointedly). And all this glory that we 
are to gain — and you will not be with your regiment ? 

Prince Otto. I shall be with you. 

Friderika. By the Chancellor's orders? 

Prince Otto. I am a part of the state. I am in 
the service. I go where I am sent. 

Friderika. And so it is true, then, that you are 
here now under orders? 

Prince Otto (bowing gallantly). Most pleasur- 
able orders, I assure you. 

Friderika. And our marriage — is that a matter 
of orders, likewise? 

Von Wrede appears at door R. Waits un- 
observed. 

Prince Otto (proudly). I — I am not of the 

[59l 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

peasant class. I am a Prince. We have our obliga- 
tions to the state. 

Friderika. To the state! To the state! Then 
why do you come here wooing me? Why don't you 
sing your love songs to those smoking chimneys? 
Why don't you offer yourself and your title to my 
blast-furnaces? They are mine. Go back to your 
master. Report that your orders cannot be carried 
out. Tell the Chancellor that I will remain mistress 
of the Stahl Gun Works. I will not yield their con- 
trol to husband. Chancellor, or Emperor! 



(curtain) 



ACT II 

Scene — The Chancellerie at Berlin. It is a large 
and rather old-fashioned apartment. At R. are large 
glass doors with glass knobs. The doors open into a 
reception-room. At back C. are long French windows 
that open out upon a garden with a wall beyond. 
Government buildings seen over wall. There is also a 
door L. The room itself is white, the walls hung with 
rich green silk, the carpet being of the same color. The 
furniture is heavy and of old-fashioned pattern, pro- 
fusely ornamented with gold, and covered in the same 
material as the wall hangings. An enormous crystal 
chandelier is suspended in the center of the room. At 
L. stands the Chancellor's desk. This is an enor- 
mous flat affair of mahogany, of clumsy build, with 
much gold ornamentation and crystal handles. Tall 
kerosene-lamps of gilded metal flank the Chancellor's 
desk-blotter, and there is a great profusion of documents 
and papers. A telephone, of course. On the desk rests 
the Chancellor's steel helmet. Back near wall L. 

[61] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

is a large gold chair with a crown at its back, this being 
reserved for the sole use of the Emperor. On the wall 
over the chair is a full-length portrait of the Emperor in 
military uniform. 

Down front at R. is a Kriegspiel table, such as may be 
found in military schools, officers 9 clubs, and casinos in 
Germany. It is about the size of an ordinary library 
table. Its top is marked off in geographical divisions 
showing the south of England, North Sea, English 
Channel, northern France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, 
and Russia. The territory covered is practically that 
shown in the map in Gen. E. von Bernhardt s work, 
"Germany and the Next War! 9 The various pieces of 
arms of military and naval service are represented by 
pieces, each bearing the Hag of its country, while 
countries and rulers are represented by larger pieces 
bearing larger Hags. Each of the Hags — British, 
French, German, Russian, Dutch, and Belgian — stands 
on its own country. Back of the German Hag are those 
of Austria and Italy. Other pieces representing other 
countries are in a confused heap at one side. The 
table has a flexible cover that drops down but that can 
readily be drawn up and over the table, which is now 
uncovered. 

At the rising of the curtain sentinels may be seen 
pacing the garden, and they pass and repass at intervals 

[62] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

during the progress of the act, changing guard once or 
twice at a small pavilion that may be seen. 

Discovered — At the Kriegspiel table, Major 
Count Von Wrede, arranging the pieces. Prince 
Otto, with many open newspapers and a pile of de- 
spatches from which he is reading, stands by a roller 

f map of the North Sea that is pulled down from 

i frame. 

Prince Otto (continuing reading from newspaper). 
"This mobilization of Austrian troops toward the 
Russian border is looked upon as significant." Shall 
we make that move ? 

Von Wrede (nods and moves Austrian flag near 
Russian border). Yes. I would prefer to see it in the 
official despatches, but it is logical. That answers 
Russia's step of yesterday in moving artillery south 
to Warsaw. 

Prince Otto. But we have a very small force on 
our eastern border. 

Von Wrede (touching pieces). Which means that 
Austria and Italy will hold Russia in check so that we 

[6 3 ] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

may give France all the attention she requires. See 
here! 

Prince Otto snaps the map up on its roller and 
crosses to table. 

See this massing of German troops along the 
French border and the movement of French troops 
for manoeuvers. Rather more than a coincidence, 
eh, all these " manoeuvers ?" 

Prince Otto. It looks rather bad for Holland, 
doesn't it? 

Von Wrede. That's war! I'll wager you any- 
thing you like that Holland will be overrun with 
German troops before England can cross the channel. 

Prince Otto. And once there, the German flag 
will stay. We'll fly it on the Palace of Peace at 
The Hague. 

Prince Otto and Von Wrede laugh. 

Von Wrede (moving German flag over). Yes, there 
it will stay. And here, on Belgium (moving another 

[64] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

to Belgium), and here, on Sweden {moving another to 
Sweden), before this war is over. 

Prince Otto. Why do they wait? 

Von Wrede. They'll not wait long, if I can read 
this board correctly. 

Prince Otto. How soon? {Eagerly.) You know 
something ? 

Von Wrede. The Chancellor never talks. You 
know that. He looks over this board and grunts, 
and you know what his grunts mean as well 
as I. 

Prince Otto. Then you think — 

Von Wrede {disregarding table). I know that we 
have no more hope of invading England successfully 
until we have command of the North Sea than we 
have — I was going to say of flying. Do you remember 
that despatch yesterday about the movement of the 
British Mediterranean squadron? 

Prince Otto. Yes. 

[65] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Von Wrede. We are all right on land — we can 
meet any force that can be thrown against us — but on 
the sea — why, it seems to me perfectly evident that 
we have to strike quickly and by surprise, just as the 
Japanese did at Port Arthur, and gain an English 
port (goes to map, pulls it down, and indicates) — 
Harwich, perhaps, before too heavy a British fleet 
can be thrown against us. Yes, we have to strike 
the first blow, and quickly. 

Prince Otto. "The Day!" God speed "The 
Day!" It's the dream of all Germany. 

Von Wrede (snaps map back in its place and re- 
turns to table). You see this flag? (Picks up Amer- 
ican flag which has been lying at one side.) It is the 
only one that causes the Chancellor any anxiety. 

Prince Otto. Yes, I know. 

Von Wrede. We don't know where to put it. 

Prince Otto. Put it on its own side of the At- 
lantic, then. The Americans will not fight. 

Von Wrede. That's what we all think, but the 

[66] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Chancellor must know. The Powers of Europe are 
evenly divided. {Holding American flag in hand 
undecided.) If the United States were to side with 
England it would make a world of difference to our 
plans. 

Prince Otto. Small chance of that. 

Von Wrede. Yet I'll wager you that the first 
question the Chancellor will ask will be if I have 
learned where to place that flag. 

Prince Otto. I'll take you, Count. These 
Americans are all blufF. 

Von Wrede. Not this new Ambassador. He's 
keeping something back. {Places flag on table at one 
side.) But see here — this is the way I think it will 
work out. 

He moves pieces thoughtfully, Prince Otto 
making answering moves. While they are thus 
engaged sentinels are seen to salute and present 
arms. The Chancellor enters C. through 
the garden. He is a man very much of the 
Bismarck type, dressed in fatigue uniform and 

[67] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

wearing a cap. He is accompanied by two great 
dogs and stands for a moment observing the play. 
Von Wrede and Prince Otto are intent over 
the table. Attendant takes the dogs in leash and 
leads them through the exit L. Chancellor 
comes down and looks over table unobserved. 
At sound of door Von Wrede and Prince 
Otto step back and salute. 

Chancellor {looking over board quizzically). So! 
There have been rapid developments in the world 
while I took my walk. {Grunts.) 

Von Wrede. Your pardon, your Grace, we were 
working out — what we hoped — {Starts to move 
pieces.) 

Chancellor {impatiently). Wait! Let me see. 
{Musing.) The German flag on Denmark and 
Switzerland and Sweden and Holland. {Sarcasti- 
cally.) It is fortunate for the world that the table 
was no larger! 

Prince Otto {impetuously). Then, your Grace, 
we would have put the German flag on a few colonies 
— in Africa, South America, Persia — 

[68] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Chancellor (ignoring Prince Otto blankly. 
Grunts). Humph! (To Von Wrede.) If the hot- 
headed youth of Germany had its way I think the 
army would now be swimming to England with its 
sabers in its teeth. Put back the pieces, Count Von 
Wrede. Make your moves only as the Powers 
make them. That will keep you busy enough 
presently. 

Von Wrede rearranges pieces. 

Prince Otto (to Von Wrede). Count, I win the 
wager. 

Chancellor. A wager? 

Prince Otto. Count Von Wrede offered to 
wager that your first question, your Grace, would 
be where we should place America on the board. 

Chancellor (pointedly). It was. But I an- 
swered it with my eyes. It is the Count who wins. 
(Suavely.) Prince Otto, you have some skill in 
diplomacy. Do you think that I might learn where 
the United States really stands in this matter by 
asking the American Ambassador? 
6 [69] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Prince Otto {pleased). It might be tried, your 
Grace. 

Chancellor {pointedly). Ah, yes. And you are 
just back from Stahlstadt. If I ask you what is the 
attitude of Fraulein Stahl toward her future husband 
shall I learn that likewise? 

Prince Otto {confused). Your Grace is dis- 
pleased. 

Chancellor. I have not heard you yet. You 
shall have time to prepare your report. I will send 
for you presently. 

Prince Otto salutes and retires R. 

{To Von Wrede.) Has the British Mediter- 
ranean squadron passed Gibraltar yet? 

Von Wrede. No, your Grace. 

Chancellor. It will take four days to effect a 
junction with the main fleet in the North Sea? 

Von Wrede. Yes, your Grace. 

[70] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Chancellor. And at this moment we have about 
equal strength with England there? 

Von Wrede (pointing). Here it is, your Grace. 

Chancellor (looking at board). Humph! 

Von Wrede (eagerly). A quick and sudden stroke, 
your Grace, and the North Sea might be ours. And 
then— "The Day." 

Chancellor (meaningly). But we are at peace 
with England. 

Von Wrede. Yes, your Grace. 

Chancellor. And at what hour do I receive the 
American Ambassador? 

Von Wrede. At twelve, your Grace. (Looks at 
watch on wrist.) In half an hour. 

Chancellor. You have no information for me 
regarding America's intentions? 

Von Wrede. None, your Grace. 

[7i] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Chancellor (impatient). Is our secret service 
asleep ? Surely there must be something — some evi- 
dence — conferences — 

Von Wrede. It is very active, your Grace. 
Yet there is no word from Washington — 

Chancellor. But the new Ambassador here? 

Von Wrede. Busy sight-seeing, apparently. 
There is nothing else. He visited Stahlstadt yes- 
terday. 

Chancellor. Stahlstadt! The Works? 

Von Wrede. No, your Grace. But he called 
upon Fraulein Stahl. 

Chancellor (grunts). Humph! A very strange 
American. Most of them talk too much. He says 
too little. And that's all about peace and arbitra- 
tion. Peace! Arbitration! Cloaks to cover po- 
litical designs. Count Von Wrede, we must learn 
his plans. Our whole campaign, the future of our 
entire policy, depends upon that. (Rings bell. Then 
when servant enters.) Take off my boots, Hans. 

[72] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

(To Von Wrede while boots are being removed. Smil- 
ing.) It is not a very easy road we are traveling, 
Count Von Wrede. 

Von Wrede. But at its end, your Grace — 

Chancellor (wearily). Who can tell? We see a 
greater Germany — our policies — our thought, con- 
trolling the world — ah, but there are thorns in the 
path. We must know the intentions of the United 
States in this matter. 

Von Wrede. You are to receive the Ameri- 
can Ambassador. You have wormed secrets out 
of more experienced diplomats than he, your 
Grace. 

Chancellor. Huh! That's to be seen. This 
man Channing is no novice — you may be very sure 
of that. And then there's Friderika Stahl. (Doubt- 
fully.) Count Von Wrede, I do not often choose the 
wrong man? I am not wholly satisfied. 

Von Wrede. If your Grace will pardon me, 
Prince Otto has succeeded beyond all others. They 
are betrothed. 

[73] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Chancellor. Yes, they are betrothed — and that 
is something. Has he won her? Is she going to be 
compliant? We want an alliance of interests, not 
merely of names. Were we not confronted with 
grave problems her marriage would be a matter of 
indifference to the state. 

Von Wrede. One would hardly think of Fraulein 
Stahl as compliant, your Grace. Prince Otto has 
met with difficulties. 

Chancellor. We will let Prince Otto make 
his own report, Count Von Wrede. Send him 
to me. 

Count Von Wrede salutes and exits. Chan- 
cellor goes to desk and sits, busying himself 
with papers. Presently Prince Otto enters 
and stands waiting. Chancellor motions him 
to chair. After a moment he looks up. He 
speaks pleasantly. 

Duty to the state, Prince Otto, requires many kinds 
of service. 

Prince Otto. Yes, your Grace. 

[74] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Chancellor. The soldier is required to walk 
bravely up to the cannon's mouth, and his reward 
may be death. We have required of you that you 
shall address yourself to the lips of the Lady of the 
Cannon. What is your reward to be? 

Prince Otto. I do not understand, your Grace. 

Chancellor. Yet the question is simple. 

Prince Otto. We are to be married, of course, 
your Grace. 

Chancellor {brusquely). Ah, have our years of 
peace so enervated us that our young men of to-day 
can quietly say, "We are to be married, of course, 
your Grace" ? That is not what I asked. Have you 
wooed her, Prince Otto? Have you won her? Is 
she yours — willing to yield to you in all things ? The 
betrothal was arranged by the Emperor, but that is 
not enough. Shall he, too, do the winning, or shall 
I have to teach our young men how we wooed and 
won our women? 

Prince Otto. I really cannot say, your Grace, 
that she yields in all things. 

[75] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Chancellor {earnestly). Then you have not suc- 
ceeded in your mission. Come, I have heard some- 
thing. Tell me the rest. 

Prince Otto. There is very little to tell, your 
Grace. Fraulein Stahl has been most delightful. I 
— I have not found my duty entirely distasteful, 
your Grace. 

Chancellor {sarcastically). Ah, that is good. 
That is good. 

Prince Otto. Yesterday, however, she ques- 
tioned me rather closely and seemed displeased in 
some way. 

Chancellor {grunts). Humph! Weil, what did 
she say ? 

Prince Otto. She asked me why I did not sing 
love songs to her chimneys and make love to her 
blast-furnaces. 

Chancellor {highly amused). Ah, now we are 
getting at the truth of it, your Highness! Well, why 
haven't you — or why haven't you patterned after 

[76] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

them? Blast-furnaces! Ha! do it, man, do it! 
They'll teach you something. 

Prince Otto. But, your Grace, she seemed angry. 

Chancellor. Angry? And why not? She wants 
to be conquered, not handed over like a package of 
confectionery. Oh, if I were only young again, I'd 
teach you how. If our soldiers cannot fight with 
more vigor than our courtiers can make love it will 
soon be a sad day for the Fatherland. {Indulgently.) 
Well, what more? Anything? 

Prince Otto. Yes, your Grace — she — she — in- 
dicated that she would remain in control of the Stahl 
Gun Works. 

Chancellor {leaping to his feet). Himmel! So! 
Our Lady of the Guns seems to think she has a mind 
of her own, eh? We'll see about that. {Pacing 
floor.) 

Prince Otto. Your Grace, I thought I had won 
her. But a sudden change seemed to come to her. 

Chancellor {stops short). What do you mean? 

[77] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Prince Otto. It was after the American Ambas- 
sador had talked with her. 

Chancellor. What has the American Ambas- 
sador to do with it? 

Prince Otto. She said he made her think. 

Chancellor'. Think! Think! A German woman 
think! God ! What is to become of the Fatherland ? 
So that is his plan, is it? We want no Americanisms 
here among our women. We are quite satisfied with 
them as they are. We'll let the men do the thinking. 
Prince Otto, your place is back in Stahlstadt. Make 
love to her; woo her; win her. Soften her so that 
you can bend her to your will. That's your duty, and 
it's an important one. 

Prince Otto. Your Grace — I fear I have not 
realized — 

Chancellor. You must win her. We want no 
beating of swords into plowshares; we must turn the 
plowshares into swords. If you have not appre- 
ciated the importance of your task let me remind 
you of this, that each of our great guns is good for 

[78] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

but one hundred shots with safety. How long will 
our reserve supply of new guns last? That is why 
the Stahl Gun Works must not be subject to the 
sentimental whims of a woman. We might take the 
plant, of course, as a military necessity. But to 
marry her is an easier way and not so dangerous. 
There are too many Socialists, and Fraulein Stahl 
has made herself very popular with the working-men. 

Prince Otto {loftily). She is almost one of the 
working-class herself, your Grace. 

Chancellor. Of the working-class? So that is the 
cause of your indifference ? Man, she is an Empress ! 

Prince Otto. An Empress! {Laughs.) 

Chancellor {coldly). Prince Otto, you do not 
understand. You know your history of visible 
rulers. Do you know the line of succession in the 
Unseen Empire — that Empire that holds the whole 
of Europe in its power? We are all its vassals — it 
governs us for peace or for war. And who are its 
princes? The holders of the debt of Europe. Did 
you ever hear of Mayer Amschel, the pawnbroker, 
" der rothe schild ' whose pledges were crowns? 

[79] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Remember Wellington and Waterloo, but would 
there have been either without Nathan Rothschild ? 
Do you know Bleichroeder, " the little man who 
has counted gold ever since the Christian era " ? 
Could Napoleon III. have waged war without 
Fould? What was Hirsch to Austria, and Giins- 
burg to Russia, and Camondo to Turkey? Pawn- 
brokers all, but the rulers of the Unseen Empire! 
Now the} r are succeeded by the makers of munitions 
of war. At their head stood Emperor Heinrich — 
Stahl of Stahlstadt, with his Ambassadors in every 
capital, men of power and influence, working secret- 
ly, building up armament until to-day Europe is 
one vast camp. We cannot make war without that 
Unseen Empire. We cannot make peace or live in 
peace without its approval. And Heinrich Stahl's 
daughter, sole heiress of his power, asks you to make 
love to her blast-furnaces! Pah! The Fatherland 
wants her, Prince Otto. She does not know her 
power. We must annex the Unseen Empire. Re- 
turn to Stahlstadt immediately. 

Prince Otto {gravely). Your Grace, I think I 
understand — but Fraulein Stahl is here in Berlin. 

Chancellor. Here! 

[80] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Prince Otto. Yes, your Grace. 

Chancellor. Bring her to me. At once. Oh, 
if I had a few less gray hairs — and some of your 
youth — Fd show you how to take a woman's heart, 
as a soldier would take a citadel. Bring her to me. 
If you cannot bend her — I can. 

Count Von Wrede enters. 

Von Wrede. His Excellency, Hon. Stephen 
Channing, American Ambassador, is entering the 
gates. 

Chancellor. Good. Ring for Hans. 

Count Von Wrede rings. Enter Hans. Hans 
brings boots and full-dress coat, into which he 
helps the Chancellor, removing fatigue coaU 

Humph! Now we'll hear some more about peace 
and arbitration — and friendly mediation. But we 
must know what we have to meet. Count Von 
Wrede, you have left that Kriegspiel table uncovered. 

Von Wrede hastily draws cover over it. 

[81] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

And the British fleet will be in the North Sea in 
only four days ! 

Von Wrede. Your Grace, I know it is impossible, 
but I would give my colonelcy if I could be present 
at the interview. 

Chancellor. No doubt — no doubt. The polit- 
ical future of the Fatherland depends upon it. It 
may change the whole map of Europe. I am ready. 

Von Wrede {to attendant at door). Admit the 
American Ambassador. 

Count Von Wrede motions without to attendant 
at door. Chancellor stands in the center of 
room, Count Von Wrede and Prince Otto 
just behind him. Enter Channing. Chan- 
cellor bows deeply, as does Prince Otto; 
Count Von Wrede military salute. After the 
first greetings Count Von Wrede and Prince 
Otto quietly withdraw. 

Channing {bowing). Your Grace! 

Chancellor {bowing). Your Excellency! 

[82] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Channing. Your Grace knows, of course, why I 
have asked for an interview at this time? 

Chancellor. Hm! We know, of course, here in 
Berlin that the United States is very much interested 
in the diplomatic questions of Europe just now. 

Channing. In spite of our pledges not to meddle, 
eh? Yes, I understand. But still, we are interested, 
and there are matters of considerable importance in 
correspondence between Berlin and Washington. 

Chancellor {pointedly). Our reply to your last 
note shall not be unduly delayed, your Excellency. 
It is a matter of some moment, but it is our hope — I 
may say our belief — that we shall be able to reply 
intelligently very soon. 

Channing. Of course, of course. But why can 
we not speak directly, as man to man, your Grace? 
My country hopes that it can do a friendly turn to 
both parties by bringing Germany and Great Britain 
to a better understanding. 

Chancellor. Then, it seems to me, your work 
should be in London. 

[83] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Channing. Oh, we're working there, your Grace 
— and, I'm bound to say, with rather more favorable 
results. Great Britain does not want to go to war 
with Germany. 

Chancellor. England has something to lose — 
we everything to gain. 

Channing. That isn't it, your Grace. But I 
notice a vastly different feeling here from that in 
London. 

Chancellor. Indeed! 

Channing. Yes, I came through there, you know. 
Here you seem eager. There they are simply wait- 
ing. Why, your Grace, even the cabbies are waiting 
with an indifference that is sublime. I asked one of 
them what he would do if the Germans came to 
London. What do you think he said ? (Salutes like 
a cabman?) "We'll be a-wytin' ? sir — on the rank." 

Chancellor turns away to hide a smile. 

Chancellor. You have suggested, your Ex- 
cellency, that a more friendly feeling might follow a 

[8 4 ] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

better understanding. Perhaps. I do not know 
about that. But I do know that our people feel that 
Britain has shown an uncompromising hostility to 
German advancement in every direction. 

Channing. Your pardon, your Grace, but I think 
you are wrong. Why, so far as I can see, the 
English people have the greatest of respect and ad- 
miration for the Germans — for their advancements, 
their energy, their scientific development, for their 
literature, for Goethe, Beethoven, Wagner, Schiller, 
and the rest. 

Chancellor {dryly). They are dead, your Ex- 
cellency, and even when living they did not sell goods 
in rivalry with British merchants. 

Channing. Great Britain sincerely feels that a 
failure to arbitrate this Persian question would 
be a crime against civilization and that the 
consequences of a resort to arms would be a 
catastrophe. 

Chancellor. I've always noticed that it is the 
one who is in possession who does not wish to fight, 
your Excellency. 

7 [8 S ] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Channing {earnestly). I am bound to tell you, 
your Grace, that the United States approves Great 
Britain's attitude and respects her for it. {His 
manner changes to humor.) But it would be a real 
fight, wouldn't it? I haven't got over my love for 
a good rough-and-tumble, but I have had enough 
sense drummed into me to know that it doesn't settle 
anything to fight it out. When you're through you're 
just where you started from, minus some hair and a 
few teeth, perhaps, and it takes you a long time to 
patch yourself up afterward. 

Chancellor. But Great Britain has made the 
first warlike move. Her Mediterranean fleet is mov- 
ing toward the Atlantic. 

Channing. Well, I notice that you are not play- 
ing pinochle very much in the German army. 

Chancellor. Your Excellency, the Fatherland 
greatly desires the respect and friendship of the 
United States. 

Channing. You have it. You can keep it. 

Chancellor. And we feel that we would retain 

[86] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

it in this matter if your people fully appreciated the 
situation in which we find ourselves. Your people 
look upon us as warlike and ready to fight on the 
slightest provocation. 

Channing. Well, you see, if we have a neighbor 
at home who carries a gun in each hip pocket and 
keeps a few ugly dogs we don't really look upon him 
as being what you would call peaceable, even though 
he doesn't fight. 

Chancellor. But look at our position, your 
Excellency. Suppose you crowded two-thirds of the 
whole population of the United States into your one 
state of Texas and then surrounded that state with 
hostile countries, commercial rivals, jealous of your po- 
sition, of your trade, and of every effort to expand and 
grow — do you think you would remain peaceable? 

Channing. Don't you think, your Grace, that 
under those circumstances the time would be ripe for 
making friends and getting rid of hate? Nothing 
costs the world so much as the impersonal hatred of 
men we don't know. 

Chancellor. Why try to upset the very laws of 

[87] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

nature ? It is on conflict that men grow strong. It 
is by conflict that nations become great and become 
world powers. 

Channing. Yes — by conflict men grow strong, 
but not by killing. By killing, men and nations 
grow weak. 

Chancellor. It is through conflict that Ger- 
many has won her place in the world, from which 
some would crowd her. But they cannot. 

Channing. That does not sound very peaceable, 
your Grace — if you will pardon me. 

Chancellor. There is a kind of peace that can- 
not be bought at the expense of national honor. 

Channing. So they tell me. And there's a kind 
of war that would involve all of Europe — the whole 
world. 

Chancellor. But to the advantage of the United 
States. 

Channing. I don't know about that. We'd have 

[88] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

to feed Europe, of course, but if you put that demand 
on our supply the price of foodstuffs would shoot up 
like a rocket. It costs us enough at home as it is — 
and the worst of it is that the burden would fall 
heaviest on those least able to pay. We are just 
waking up to the fact that two out of every three 
dollars our government has to spend — and that 
means the people, because they have to pay it in 
taxes direct or indirect — two out of every three of 
these dollars goes to pay for our Civil War of over 
half a century ago, or for our navy, or for our little 
eight-by-ten standing army, and we're rather sick 
of it. Why, our little Spanish War put the cost of 
living up sixty per cent. Did it give the people more 
money to buy with ? For every dollar of increase in 
cost they got an increase of twenty-five cents in 
wages. A war in Europe would be worse. 

Chancellor. Do you Americans put everything 
in terms of dollars and cents? Do you do nothing 
for glory? 

Channing. Oh, sometimes. But if it's a dol- 
lars-and-cents matter we think that's the way to 
figure it, and war to-day is a business proposition. 
And when it comes to glory — well, when that 

[8 9 ] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Spanish War I mentioned broke out I had an idea 
of getting a lot of glory with the Rough Riders. 
The company I was assigned to spent its time in 
Tampa grooming mules under a hot sun. Now, I 
may not be a very useful person, but I'm good for 
something better than being chambermaid to a jackass. 
And that's part of the glory of war. Cannot this 
affair with Great Britain be settled by diplomacy ? 

Chancellor. Your Excellency, you do not un- 
derstand. Germany wants your understanding, 
your sympathy — and your neutrality. We are a 
plain and direct people. We have had to meet, 
when we have settled our past differences with 
Great Britain, a policy as deep and subtle as 
Machiavelli. Britain has entangled us in all con- 
tinental wars that prevent our development over- 
seas — and we must have overseas trade. We buy 
more than we sell. Our harvests no longer feed us. 
Our industries could not go on without the raw sup- 
plies from across the seas. 

Channing (significantly). I think we appreciate 
that — fully. 

Chancellor. And here we stand, a country of 

[90] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

nearly seventy million people, with a gigantic export 
trade and industry, threatened for our very existence 
by the policy of exclusion and annexation of the 
other world powers, with Great Britain in their 
lead. 

Channing. Then this little affair in Persia is — 
is only an excuse ? 

Chancellor. There is a vastly greater question 
behind it. 

Channing. Have you figured the cost? 

Chancellor. Most certainly. 

Channing. I can't see it as a good business propo- 
sition. Our Civil War has cost us to date, if you 
count pensions for the wrecks it left — mental and 
physical — nearly twenty billions of dollars. And 
that doesn't include property losses, nor destruction 
of trade, nor broken hearts and desolated homes — 
that's just cold, hard cash that we have actually 
paid out. You can't even think it. There have 
been only about one billion minutes since Christ 
was born. Now, if there had been four million slaves 

[91] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

and we had bought every one of them at an average 
of one thousand dollars apiece, set them free and had 
no war, we would have been in pocket to-day just six- 
teen billion dollars. That one crime cost us in cash 
just about the equal of sixteen dollars a minute from 
the beginning of the Christian era. 

Chancellor. I know all your arguments for 
peace and arbitration, your Excellency, but they 
are Utopian dreams. War is a necessary element in 
the life of a nation. It means hardship, sacrifice, and 
suffering, we know that, but are not these the very 
elements that make character in the nation as well 
as in the man? 

Channing. Which means, I take it, your Grace, 
that the answer to the request from Washington for 
mediation will not be an enthusiastic assent? 

Chancellor. With our feeling in the matter, 
your Excellency, it cannot be said that our assent 
to mediation, if given, would be enthusiastic. 
(Significant pause. Then anxiously in its careless- 
ness.) But in the unhappy event of hostilities, may 
I ask what would be the attitude of the United 
States ? 

[92] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Channing (hesitates, waits, walks away, then, 
almost flippantly), Fd hate to say. 

Chancellor. Of course, we realize that you have 
ties of blood and a common tongue with England — 
that — 

Channing. Yes, England is our mother-country. 

Chancellor. But Germany — 

Channing (carelessly). Is the Fatherland. (Im- 
pulsively.) Now, I'll tell you what our position is in 
this matter. 

Chancellor (with suppressed eagerness). Yes. 

Channing. England is our mother-country and 
Germany is the Fatherland, and we think that it is 
disgraceful to see two such respectable old people 
call each other names and throw the dishes at each 
other. 

Chancellor. But — 

Channing. And so we may have to shut one or 

[93 1 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

the other of the old people up in the closet long 
enough to think it over and calm down. 

Chancellor (laughing and much pleased). Ah, 
you have a most humorous way of putting it, your 
Excellency. (Seriously.) But, you see, these are 
nations, not people, and the closets are wanting. 
You have been frank with me, if I get your meaning. 
I will be frank with you. This matter cannot be 
mediated. Germany waited two hundred years to 
avenge the robbing of Strasbourg. She has seen 
Great Britain elbow and shoulder her out of the 
choicest places of the earth. She demands her 
place in the sun. Her patience is exhausted. She is 
no match for England in world politics, and she dis- 
trusts her promises. Experience has been a costly 
teacher, your Excellency, and she is not of a mind 
to-day to add to the sum of her bitter knowl- 
edge. 

Channing. Then it is to be war ? 

Chancellor. Great Britain must abandon her 
position on the Persian Gulf. 

Channing. Hm! (Crossing to Chancellor's 

[94] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

desk and leaning over it earnestly.) Your Grace! 
You cannot make war! You think you can, but you 
cannot. Individuals have stopped robbing and 
pillaging and murdering and descending upon one 
another's possessions. You, as a nation, still pro- 
claim the right of might. Here you think war — but 
the world moves around you, and the world thinks 
peace. England awaits you, if it must, but prefers 
peace. Your own people, the real people, who work 
and make the strength of your Empire — want peace, 
not war. From across the sea comes the peace 
thought. It is in the air, and you cannot resist it. 
You can throw an army of four million men — fight- 
ing men — into the field, but even in them the peace 
thought exists, and against them will be thrown the 
peace thought of one hundred million minds. You 
think you can make war. You cannot! 

Chancellor. Your Excellency ! You are pleased 
to be facetious. From what you have told me to-day 
— the feeling of your country — your attitude toward 
armed intervention — it is the United States that can- 
not make or join in war. 

Channing. I have not said quite that. (Chan- 
NING has become very serious and dignified.) 

[95] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Chancellor. I cannot have misunderstood. 

Channing. I have not said that we shall not 
intervene. I have said that we shall not spill blood 
nor sanction it. I have not said that we shall not 
use force. 



Chancellor (aghast). Force! 

Channing. Yes, your Grace. There is such a 
thing as moral force. We shall use that. 

Chancellor (hiding a smile). That will be very- 
interesting. And how will you exert it? 

Channing. I shall have advices from Washing- 
ton in a few hours, your Grace. (Bows and starts 
to go.) 

Chancellor rings and attendant appears R. 
Channing is bowed out with ceremony. Chan- 
cellor looks after him seriously, then a smile 
spreads slowly over his face, ending in a sue- 
cession of chuckles. He crosses to Kriegspiel 
table, opens it, looks it over for a moment, then 
removes the American flag and places it at one 

[96] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

side of the board. Sits and shakes with 
laughter. Enter Von Wrede. 

Von Wrede {surprised). Your Grace! 

Chancellor {pulling himself together). Eh! Oh! 
{Grunts and tries to become dignified.) 

Von Wrede {looking after Channing). Your 
Grace has learned something? 

Chancellor {gravely). Yes, Count Von Wrede. 
It is very dreadful. 

Von Wrede {alarmed). Your Grace! 

Chancellor. The United States threatens us. 

Von Wrede. Threatens us, your Grace? 

Chancellor. Yes — with force. 

Von Wrede. Force? 

Chancellor {with great activity). Yes — with 
moral force. {He turns to desk, his face serious.) 

[97] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Von Wrede is blank with amazement. Chan- 
cellor suddenly throws himself into chair and 
bursts into a roar of laughter in which Von 
Wrede joins. 

{Controlling himself.) We shall need to inform the 
Emperor. 

Von Wrede {smiling). Shall I do so, your Grace? 

Chancellor {chuckling). That is a pleasure I 
shall reserve for myself, Count Von Wrede. {Then 
thoughtfully.) But — {Pauses.) 

Von Wrede. But what, your Grace? 

Chancellor {seriously). There is one thing the 
United States might do. No — we'll not think of 
that. They are a nation of shopkeepers. They 
would never dare. Never! {Briskly.) Our course 
is now quite clear, Count Von Wrede. 

Von Wrede {eagerly). Then our preparations go 
on, your Grace ? 

Chancellor {rising). To completion. 

[98] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Von Wrede. Ah! "The Day!" (A moment's 
pause.) Prince Otto has returned, your Grace. 
Fraulein Stahl is with him. 

Chancellor. Ah, yes, I had forgotten. Have 
you gained any idea as to how Prince Otto has suc- 
ceeded with her? 

Von Wrede. She is like her own steel, your Grace. 

Chancellor. Which means that she is well tem- 
pered — and will bend. 

Von Wrede. She is as hard as armor plate, your 
Grace. She has refused to sign the contract for our 
new guns. 

Chancellor. So? Then we will see how she can 
withstand the impact of a few facts. You may ad- 
mit her, Count Von Wrede, but alone. And ask 
Prince Otto to remain within call. I may need him. 
(Slyly.) If she threatens me with anything worse 
than the American Ambassador has done I may need 
assistance. 

Von Wrede smiles and exits R. Chancellor 

[99] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

goes to desk, chuckling. Presently Friderika 
enters. Chancellor rises. 

Chancellor (affably). Ah! OurFritzhen! Wel- 
come to you, here in Berlin. 

Friderika. You sent for me, your Grace? 

Chancellor. I wanted to see you very much. 

Friderika. I would have called, of course, after 
I had seen the Emperor. 

Chancellor. Of course you must see the Em- 
peror. He and your father were such close friends — 
and his interest in you has been very deep. But I 
wanted to give you one word of caution. Just at 
present he is very much absorbed — affairs of state — 
and I merely wish to ask that you will not disturb his 
mind with what we may perhaps call trivial matters. 

Friderika. Trivial ? Trivial matters ? 

Chancellor. Yes; I know all about it. Prince 
Otto has told me. These little lovers' quarrels are 
the spice of courtship. Shall I tell you a secret? 

[ioo] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Her Grace, the Princess, used to box my ears. 
They tingle yet. (Rubbing them, laughing.) 

Friderika. Your Grace, I have always thought 
of you as a very deep-seeing man. And you think 
Prince Otto and I have had a — a lovers' spat! 

Chancellor. Oh, something of the kind, I am 
sure. It will pass. 

Friderika. I am not thinking of Prince Otto 
now. I am thinking of greater responsibilities. I 
have been hearing things, and I want to know about 
them. I will ask you the question I would have put 
to the Emperor. Do we stand on the verge of war? 

Chancellor. This country, my dear, has stood 
on the verge of war for more than forty years. Our 
neighbors do not feel too kindly toward us, but we 
have compelled respect — and peace. 

Friderika. I will not be put off, your Grace. I 
— I am entitled to know. 

Chancellor. It would be a wonderful thing for 
Stahlstadt — and for the Stahi Gun Works. 
8 [ 101 ] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. But I am thinking now of more than 
these people I see every day. I am thinking of those 
millions — an Empire — whom I do not see. 

Chancellor. Ah, yes, of the entire Fatherland. 

Friderika. Of more than that — of humanity— 
everywhere. 

Chancellor. There is nothing greater than the 
Fatherland. The individual, the family, the com- 
munity, all grow into the closer and greater bonds of 
the state, but once you expand the state into all 
humanity you rule out the vital principle of all life, 
since the mission of the human race is to struggle 
and to strive in competition. Your heart is good 
and great, Fraulein, but your allegiance is here to the 
Fatherland. Do not become a resident of Utopia. 

Friderika. Struggle! Competition! Then it is 
true ! There is to be war ? 

Chancellor. Fraulein, your father enjoyed our 
confidence, the Emperor's — and mine. I shall with- 
hold nothing from you. An hour ago I could not 
have answered the question definitely. Now I may 

[102] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

say that in a few hours at most — a day or two — the 
whole world will know that Great Britain can no 
longer check and thwart us. 

Friderika {after a pause). Your Grace, you speak 
of my father. Never have I felt his loss as I do now. 
That is why I am here in Berlin — to see the Emperor 
and you. I — I am afraid that I have not thought 
much on the most important things. It was only 
yesterday that I began to realize that the new 
orders for guns meant something more than they 
had in the past. Since then I have been think- 
ing. 

Chancellor {lifting his eyebrows). Thinking? 
Ah, yes ! Tell me what your thoughts have been. 

Friderika. War has always seemed so remote to 
me — actual war — something that might happen to 
other countries. But all about me every one was 
thinking what it would mean to them. Every one 
knew — except me. And I was called "The Lady of 
the Cannon." Yesterday my eyes were opened, and 
I cannot shut out the horror of what I have seen. 
I love my people, your Grace, and I see them 
dumbly looking forward to a repetition of what the 

[ 103] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

older ones know by experience. A whole country in 
arms — the young men at the front — killing and being 
killed — old women waiting for their maimed sons 
to be returned to them. Last night I heard in the 
rattle of the railway wheels the shriek of shells, the 
crunching of bones, the cries of the dying, and the 
prayers of the mothers. And I — I, who thought I 
was doing something for others, making them 
happier, and better — who am I to do this on the 
money that is wrung from their blood? One thing 
has kept ringing in my ears — one paragraph I read — 
that the war debt of Europe represents condensed 
drops of blood. And a part of that money is my 
heritage. When I give freely to my people for old-age 
pensions, for the hospitals, for their children, I am 
paying with drops of their own blood. I thought 
the Stahl Gun Works were mine. What right have 
I to use them for the spilling of more blood, for the 
creation of the misery that they mean? But you can 
stop it, your Grace. The Emperor can stop it. It 
is not too late. War is not declared. For years 
we have settled our difficulties peaceably — surely 
there must be some way now? 

Chancellor. My dear child, who has put these 
thoughts into your head? 

[104] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. My own heart tells me, your Grace. 

Chancellor. Not the American Ambassador? 

Friderika. He has helped to make me think. 
It — it is horrible! 

Chancellor. No. You do not understand. Do 
not listen to such preachers. War is sublime. It is 
glorious. The whole Fatherland rising as one man 
— forgetting its internal differences, sacrificing itself, 
man and man, willing to bear individual hardships 
and sufferings, unified, unselfish, giving all for the 
common good. That's manhood. 

Friderika. And what of womanhood ? What of 
the hearts of mothers that will be broken — of the 
homes that will be desolated — the children that will 
be orphaned? What of the destruction of happiness 
— here and over there? What does it mean to the Fa- 
therland if our best are taken and our poorest are left ? 

Chancellor {gravely). Fraulein, you speak from 
the personal standpoint. All of these things we 
know — the cruelty, the bitterness, the waste of war 
— and no ruler will plunge his country into that with- 

[105] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

out just cause, least of all your Emperor. He is re- 
sponsible to God alone for his acts and to his people 
for their welfare, and he is at this moment in his 
closet asking his God to direct him. But he knows 
that only through suffering comes salvation. A 
few men die that their brothers can live. We must 
expand. We must have wider markets that the 
prosperity of our people may go on. Above all, we 
have become too engrossed in material things, ener- 
vated with too much luxury. A rude shock is needed 
to awaken our people to their responsibilities. God 
has always seen to it "that war recurs as a drastic 
medicine for the human race." 

Friderika. To wage war in the name of God is 
blasphemy. You speak of the Fatherland and its 
needs. Every nation that has lived by the sword has 
perished. That shows what God thinks of war. It 
reverses all nature. It takes the strong and leaves 
the weak. It destroys — it does not build up. God 
— Nature rules that the fittest shall survive. In war 
it is the unfit that are left. War violates every de- 
cent instinct that God gives us — 

Chancellor. It stimulates every virtue, hero- 
ism, self-sacrifice — 

[106] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. No! Heroism, self-sacrifice are not 
dead because men do not kill each other. War 
means murder, robbery, pillage, the violation of 
women, every awful thing that lies in the breast of 
men, let loose like so many devils to infest the earth. 
The old commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," is still 
in force. 

Chancellor {softly). But Christ Himself said, 
"I am not come to bring peace on earth, but a 
sword." 

Friderika. Christ brought no peace to the 
wicked until, as with a sword, they had separated 
themselves from their sins. Draw the sword, your 
Grace, if you will, to separate us from national selfish- 
ness and greed, from lust and love of power. Draw 
the sword, if you will, to fight for "peace on earth, 
good will to men." 

Chancellor paces the room for a moment. 

Chancellor (his manner changing to sternness). 
Fraulein Stahl, I have tried to show you that in this 
we are moved by the highest motives. I ask you 
now, is the memory of your father dear to you? 

[ 107] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Friderika. There is nothing dearer. 

Chancellor. Then by that memory I ask your 
obedience to the Fatherland! 

Friderika. My obedience? 

Chancellor. Yes, to its wishes, to the Emperor's 
wishes — for those would be your father's. 



Friderika. He is not here — but I know how he 
would speak. He would not permit the Gun Works 
to be a part of this awful crime. 

Chancellor. I am not now speaking of the Gun 
Works. I am speaking of your betrothal to Prince 
Otto von Mehrenburg. 

Friderika. You do well to remind me of that. 
It is what brought me to Berlin. I wish to be re- 
leased from my pledge. 

Chancellor. The Emperor will not release you. 
Your betrothal must stand. 

Friderika. My betrothal is iniquitous. I was 

[106] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

flattered, cajoled, played with by you and the 
Emperor. I did not realize what it meant. 

Chancellor. It means that the Emperor in his 
love for you and taking your father's place has 
chosen wisely for your best interests. 

Friderika. Why do you, your Grace, with world- 
power in your hands, stoop to subterfuge? Why do 
you not say frankly that the Emperor wishes to 
control the Stahl Gun Works through this marriage? 

Chancellor. If that were all, Friderika, the 
Emperor might seize the Stahl Gun Works in the 
name of the state. But that would be a drastic 
measure. 

Friderika (laughing, a little hysterically). And so 
you would bribe me with a crown ? You would make 
playthings of my heart and my happiness! Is noth- 
ing sacred in the game of war? That was what 
awakened me to the awful wickedness of it all — that, 
professing love for me, you and your agents could 
prostitute me to your uses. And then I thought 
beyond that to what it all meant to others, who 
could not defend themselves. Oh, it is horrible. 

[ 109 J 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

I have no trust, no faith left in any of you. (She 
turns away, and her eye jails upon the Kriegspiel 
table.) Here it is — the war game, .planned out and 
played with dummies. They are all here — France, 
England, Russia, and the rest. But, your Grace, I 
see no piece representing Prince Otto von Mehren- 
burg. And I see none representing the Lady of the 
Guns. You have overlooked something, your Grace. 
She has her part to play. (With her arm she sweeps 
the Kriegspiel table, throwing the pieces to the floor.) 
The Stahl Gun Works will never make another gun! 

Chancellor rises tensely. He reaches toward the 
bell as if to ring. Friderika challenges him 
with her eye, and his hand remains suspended. 



(curtain) 



ACT III 

Scene — Library in Friderika Stahl's home at 
Stahlstadt as in Act I, except that it is now evening and 
the curtains are drawn across the great window, shutting 
out view of the plant. The room is softly lighted. 

Discovered — Lena Werner sitting at piano play- 
ing accompaniment for Lieut. Fritz Knauff, who is 
at her side. Fritz is in the uniform of a lieutenant in 
the Imperial Navy. Frau Werner sits at a distance, 
for the sake of propriety, busy with knitting or other 
work. The song that Fritz is singing is a rousing 
German war-song. 

Lena {at close of song, turning from piano). Oh, 
Fritz, doesn't it make your blood tingle to think of it? 

Fritz. Tingle? I should think it did. There's 
nothing like it. 

Lena. You know, when I see the troops coming 
down the street, with their flags flying and the 

[mi 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

plumes waving and the bands playing, it makes me 
feel funny at the back of my neck, all creepy and 
bristly — 

Fritz. Yes, I know — like a dog when he shows his 
teeth and the hair stands up on his back. I know 
how it is. I wonder how it's going to feel when we 
are actually in it? 

Lena. You — you're not going to be — afraid, Fritz ? 

Fritz. I am going to be in it whether I'm afraid 
or not. Something must have happened pretty 
suddenly in Berlin. 

Lena. And you must join your ship in the 
morning? 

Fritz. Yes, and that's the point. You see, my 
leave of absence isn't up for a week yet, and here I 
get my orders to rejoin the Boewulf at Kiel at once. 
I wonder what's up? 

Lena. Friderika will know when she gets back 
from Berlin. Grandmother {calling across), when do 
you expect Friderika back? 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Frau Werner. It is very uncertain, my dear. 
She did not know herself. I don't know whether to 
open this telegram or not. 

Fritz. Well, I'd like to say good-by to her. 
{Mock seriously.) I may not come back. 

Lena. Oh, Fritz! 

Fritz. And maybe, if I do come back, I'll have 
only one arm. How will you like that? 

Lena. Don't talk that way, Fritz. 

Fritz. Well, wouldn't you rather have me with 
only one arm than not at all? But I wouldn't like to 
lose both. {Surreptitiously slipping one arm about her.) 

Lena. Fritz, grandmother will see. 

Fritz. But if I had only one I'd be retired from 
the service and have you all the time. And I'd go 
around with one sleeve pinned up, and wear my 
medals on big occasions, and be on boards of all 
kinds, and be referred to as "that noble hero, 
Admiral Knauff." Yes, I'm willing to risk one arm 

[113] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

— the left, I think — no, the right. Let me see, 
which looks best? (Posing and laughing.) 

Lena. Fritz, I don't want you to lose any of your 
arms — or legs. 

Fritz. Ugh ! You make me feel like a centipede. 

Lena. I want all of you, and if those awful 
English do you any damage — (Suddenly serious.) 
Oh, Fritz, do you suppose they will? 

Fritz. Well, they'll damage some of us — but 
we'll be doing a little damage ourselves. 

Lena. And think — perhaps some English girl is 
sitting with her sweetheart to-night, just as we are 
sitting and — 

Fritz (laughing). No, I think not. You see — 
they don't know. This is a quick move on our part. 
(Boastfully.) Oh, I know what it means. 

Lena. Oh, Fritz, aren't you wonderful? 

Fritz. Yes, I've figured it all out in my own head. 

[114) 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

It means that we are going to strike a quick blow at 
their fleet and try to control the North Sea before 
they can be reinforced. Then we'll throw troops 
across, and the fighting will all be on their side. 
Don't you see? It's the toast of the whole navy and 
army come true. {Lifting hand as if holding a glass.) 
"The Day!" 

Frau Werner shudders and puts her hands to her 
face. 

Lena {noticing and going quickly to her). What is 
it, grandmother? 

Frau Werner. Nothing, nothing, my child. 
Only my memory. 

Fritz. Why, what do you mean, Frau Werner? 
Is it — is it something I have said? 

Frau Werner. No — yes. Every time I have 
heard that toast — "The Day" — I have prayed that 
it would never come. I lived through the days — 
nearly half a century ago now — when we were fight- 
ing the French. I heard the shouts when news came 
of victories; but do you know why they had to 

[nsl 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

shout so loud ? It was to drown the sound of 
sobs. 

Lena. Grandmother! 

Frau Werner. Yes, my child. And I remember 
sitting — just as you have been sitting here with 
Fritz, and there was a young man — your grandfather 
— my Wilhelm. He thought to come back a general. 
And we were just as happy as you two have been 
to-night. He did not come back. I went to him 
on that field of death, and I nursed him and tried 
to bring his tattered body to life again. Around me 
were the most awful sights and sounds — mangled 
remnants of men in heaps of offal, and moans and 
curses. And my Wilhelm lay there in that human 
slaughter-house. He had no word for me. It 
wasn't my name that was on his tongue. "The 
salt — the salt," he was muttering. Oh, and the 
frantic efforts he made to get that death-salt from 
his tongue; and the lips I knew and loved were 
covered with the salt-froth. God, how he struggled 
not to swallow — not to swallow that salt of death, 
and cursed and raved! And then — (To Fritz.) 
Oh, my boy, you have your duty to the Fatherland, 
but when you give that toast — "The Day" — think, 

[116] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

think what it means! It means the night — the long 
night of desolation to our women — for I was only one. 

Fritz. Forgive me, Frau Werner; I did not mean 
to arouse such memories. {His hands seek Lena's.) 

Enter Friderika hurriedly R. She is in travel- 
ing- dress and shows much suppressed excite- 
ment. 

Lena {hurrying to her). Friderika! 

Friderika {hurriedly). Where is Conrad? I tele- 
graphed for him. Is there any news ? 

Lena. Why, we haven't seen Conrad. How ex- 
cited you are! There is no news here except — Fritz 
has had orders to rejoin his ship at once. He wants 
to say good-by to you. 

Friderika {who is taking off wrap and hat> paus- 
ing). At once! Then that means — 

Fritz. It means, Fraulein, that we shall probably 
put to sea in the morning. You know what that 
signifies ? 

9 [117] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Frau Werner. Perhaps there is some news in 
that telegram on your desk, my dear. I did not 
know whether to forward it or to send it to Herr 
Director General Stoltz. 

Friderika {throwing hat aside). A telegram! How 
long has it been here? {Goes to desk hurriedly and 
opens telegram.) 

Frau Werner. Perhaps an hour. 

Friderika. Lena, quick! The cipher code. 

Lena brings code-book. 

It is from Herr Rohrbach, our agent in Berlin. I 
left for home so hurriedly that I asked him to make 
some inquiries for me and report by wire. {Decipher- 
ing telegram slowly.) "Chancellor conferred with 
Emperor. Meeting of War Council hurriedly called. 
Impossible definitely to confirm statement, but have 
it on high authority that order was issued for seizure 
of Stahl Gun Works in name of the state as military 
necessity. Prince Otto von Mehrenburg has taken 
special train for Stahlstadt, with orders. (Friderika 
crumples telegram in her hand.) 

[118] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Lena (going to her). Friderika! 

Frau Werner (rising). My poor child! What 
does it mean? 

Fritz. The Stahl Gun Works to be seized? Why, 
it's an outrage! What is the Chancellor thinking of? 

Friderika (quietly). It means, my dear aunt, 
that I told the Chancellor to-day that never again, 
so long as I lived, would the Stahl Gun Works pro- 
duce weapons of murder. This (holding out tele- 
gram) is his answer. 

Fritz. But, Fraulein — 

Frau Werner (going to her). Friderika, I think 
I know your feeling. But you cannot set your will 
against the Chancellor — the Emperor — the state. 

Friderika (pulling herself together). I don't know 
what I can do — yet. But there's something. Fritz, 
you can help me. Will you go at once and tell Herr 
Director General Stoltz what has happened and ask 
him to come here immediately? I don't want to 
telephone. 

[«9] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Fritz (going). You can count on me. (Exits R.) 

Friderika. Lena, please try to get Conrad by 
telephone. I must see him at once. 

Lena goes to telephone and is busy trying to get 
number. 

Frau Werner. How did you have the courage, 
Friderika, to tell that to the Chancellor to his 
face ? 

Friderika. I had the courage to tell him more 
than that. I told him that — 

Enter Conrad Bertholdt hurriedly R. 

Conrad. What is it, Friderika? I was not at 
home when your telegram came. 

Friderika (handing telegram). See this. 

Conrad (looking at it). Yes, but it's in cipher. 

Friderika. I forgot. It says that an Imperial 
order is to be issued at once to the military com- 

[120] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

mandant at Stahlstadt to seize the Stahl Gun Works 
— in the name of the state. 

Conrad. Seize the Stahl Gun Works? 

Friderika. Yes — as a military necessity. 

Conrad {quietly). You have been in Berlin. Tell 
me what happened. 

Friderika. I went to Berlin — to see the Emperor 
— to ask him to release me from my betrothal. 

Lena. Friderika! 

Frau Werner. What are you thinking of? The 
Emperor would never consent to that, child. It's — 
it's unheard of. 

Friderika. The Chancellor sent for me, and I 
went to him first. All night I had been thinking — 
— thinking of what this war would mean to every 
human being here in Germany — and to England and 
France and all the rest — to the people who must 
bear the brunt. I could not keep silent. I remem- 
bered what Hugo Boehling had said, and the Amer- 

[121] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

ican Ambassador, and you, Conrad, and I remem- 
bered what I had read. And I realized that I — I, as 
owner of the Stahl Gun Works, had some power, and 
I resolved to use it. I asked the Chancellor if it 
were true, and he said that war would be declared. I 
begged him to reconsider, but he was immovable. 
Then I argued and fought with him. It was not 
myself that was speaking — something within me was 
roused. Still he would not be moved. Then I told 
him that the Stahl Gun Works would never make 
another gun. This — this is the answer. They are 
to be taken from me. 

Frau Werner. Foolish, foolish girl! These af- 
fairs of state are for the men to decide, my dear. 
But it is awful! 

Conrad (his face glowing). Magnificent! God 
bless you, Friderika! 

Friderika. You approve? 

Conrad. Approve? I am the happiest man in 
all Germany. 

Enter Herr Stoltz R. much excited. 

[122] 



K 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz. What is this I hear, Fraulein? The 
government to seize the Stahl Gun Works ? It can- 
not be true! 

Frau Werner motions to Lena and both exit. 

Friderika. It is, Herr Director General. 

Stoltz. But, my God, Fraulein! The Stahl Gun 
Works are the most loyal thing in the Fatherland. 
Your father would turn in his grave. 

Conrad {interfering). Herr Director General, 
Fraulein Stahl has seen the Chancellor. She 
has told him that she does not approve of this 
war and that she will not devote her heritage 
to it. 

Stoltz. She does not approve! She will not de- 
vote her heritage! The Stahl Gun Works belong to 
the whole Fatherland, Fraulein. Your father built 
them and made them what they are, but it was for 
his country. 

Friderika. If my father were here now, Herr 
Director General, he would do as I am doing. 

[ 123 ] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz. Your father, Fraulein, was a man of 
business — he — 

Conrad (checking Stoltz quickly). Fraulein Stahl 
reveres the memory of her father, Herr Director 
General. What he would have done you may know. 
What she will now do is for her alone to decide. 

Friderika. I must interpret his wishes as I be- 
lieve they would be. Why, my father was kind and 
humane. He thought more of the work he was pro- 
viding, of what he was building up for others. Go 
down there into the town and look again, if you have 
forgotten it, at that simple, humble home of my 
grandfather, and read the inscription placed upon it 
by my father. Why, these were the first words I 
learned to read : "The object of work must be mutual 
welfare; the work is blessed, then work is prayer. 
May the success that has attended this work serve as 
an encouragement to others in difficulties. May it 
increase our sympathy for the many small houses of 
the Fatherland and the sorrows that often dwell in 
them." Those were his words, for peaceful industry, 
and his work shall not be used to increase the sorrows 
that dwell in all the small houses of the Father- 
land. 

[124] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Stoltz. I have no patience to listen to talk. It 
is talk — empty talk — sentimental nonsense, that has 
brought us to this point. With matters as they 
stand in Berlin, it is treason. I'll have none of it. 

(Going.) 

Friderika. But we want your advice, Herr Di- 
rector General. 

Stoltz (halting). Apparently my advice is not to 
be taken. That advice would be an humble apology 
to the Emperor and a prayer for forgiveness. Even 
that might not avert the harm you have done. 

Friderika. No. 

Stoltz (haughtily). As you please, Fraulein. 

(Bows stiffly and starts to go again?) 

Friderika. Herr Director General Stoltz. 

Stoltz (stopping). Fraulein Stahl! 

Friderika. I will accept your resignation, please. 

Stoltz bows and exits. Friderika stands for a 

[125] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

moment looking after him. She passes her hand 
over her eyes and then turns wearily. 

Friderika. One woman, Conrad, against all the 
power of the state. 

Conrad. But not alone. 

Friderika with a weary smile puts out her hand 
to Conrad, who takes it quickly. 

You have been through too much. Come, sit here. 
{Takes her willingly to sofa.) Let me ring for a glass 
of wine. 

Friderika shakes her head as she sits. 

Friderika. No, not alone. You stood by my 
side when I confronted the Chancellor. You gave 
me the strength and courage to see this awful thing 
clearly. 

Conrad. I? I gave you strength and courage? 
I wish I could. I wish I could have stood by you 
and with you when you defied the Chancellor. I wish 

I could always stand by you. 

[126] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Friderika. Conrad! 

She puts her hand out to him again. He seizes it 
ardently. 

Conrad. It isn't fair. It isn't fair, Friderika, 

that all of this burden should fall upon you — a 

* woman — alone! It isn't fair that you should have to 

meet responsibilities that no man could face without 

hesitation. 

Friderika {wearily, withdrawing her hand). Fair 
or not, Conrad, they are mine to meet. It is a part 
of my position. 

Conrad {warmly). Your position! Yes, and it is 
your position that has made me keep locked in my 
heart what my whole soul has cried out to say 
to you. 

Friderika. Conrad? What are you saying? 

Conrad. Oh, don't you understand, Friderika? 
You and I were playmates together. We have 
grown up side by side. Day by day you have grown 
into my life until you have become a part of it. 

[127] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Then you became the mistress of this great plant and 
I was a common employee. 

Friderika {smiling a little). Not a common em- 
ployee, Conrad. 

Conrad. I could not raise my eyes to you. Your 
father had advanced me, but still there was that so- 
cial gulf between us. I could work for you, and 
strive for you, and, so far as it came in my way, I 
could protect your interests. And I have been proud 
of every little triumph that came to me in my work 
because it was for you. But always there was your 
position. It had taken you beyond me, into another 
world, and then came this betrothal to the Prince — 

Friderika. Don't speak of that! It shames me 
to think of it. I was weak. I was flattered by the 
Emperor — I was played upon — and I yielded — Oh ! 
That is over now! 

Conrad {tenderly). I know the pressure that was 
used. Good God! Haven't I watched these suitors 
come and woo, and known that all the power of the 
Court was behind them, flattering, cajoling, influenc- 
ing — while I had to stand idly by listening to my own 

[128] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

heart calling — calling to you? Haven't you ever 
heard it? Haven't you heard it, Friderika? 



Friderika. (She has been sitting with clasped 
hands listening intently.) Oh, Conrad, I did not know 
you felt that for me. (Rises and walks away from him 
a few steps.) I — I thought it was only our childhood 
love. 

Conrad. It has grown to be a man's love now. 

Friderika (still turned away from him). You — 
you have always been a part of my life. But how 
much a part I did not know until it seemed that you 
were to go out of it. Then — then everything turned 
black — like that smoke — everything seemed slipping 
away from me, and (she turns to him) — I knew. 

Conrad (holding himself with an effort). You 
knew! 

Friderika. Yes. I knew when I stood before 
the Chancellor and pleaded for those other women 
who might lose those they loved through war. It 
was my heart that spoke, for I knew that it was the 
sound of war that was taking you from me. 

[129] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Conrad (crossing to her quickly and taking both 
her hands presses them to his lips). No — not that. I 
spoke the truth about my feeling toward the uses to 
which this plant would be put, but with that was the 
desolation that was to come into my life when you went 
out of it. That is what your betrothal meant to me. 

Friderika (looking up at him, he still holding her 
hands). But that is over now. 

Conrad. Yes, that is over, and I am no longer an 
employee. And now I can tell you, Friderika, that 
I love you — that I have always loved you. Com- 
pared with you I am poor — 

Friderika (disengaging one hand and placing it on 
his lips). But if the plant is seized I shall be quite 
poor, too. 

Conrad (kisses her hand). Then let it be seized if 
it gives me you ! ( Takes her into his arms.) 

Friderika (disengaging herself after a moment). 
But we are forgetting. 

Conrad. Yes. There is the Emperor to consider. 

[130] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. I do not mean that. He must re- 
lease me. I have released myself. 

Conrad. It would be hard enough for an ordi- 
nary woman to release herself from a betrothal ar- 
ranged by the Emperor, but for you — the Emperor 
is determined that the Stahl Gun Works shall 
come under control of the state in one way or 
another. 

Friderika. Yes, it is the plant — always the 
plant — my heritage. 

Conrad. Friderika — have you the courage to cut 
this betrothal in the most positive way? 

Friderika. How? 

Conrad. By marrying me at once. There could 
be no further question — 

Friderika. It would solve nothing, Conrad. 
The plant would be seized at once. 

Conrad. Then in America — together — we could 
start a new life. 

[131] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. No, Conrad, no. My place is here. 
Whether I hold this plant as an industry of peace or 
whether the state takes it as an accessory of war 
these people who look to me in trouble must not find 
me wanting. 

Conrad. I understand. 

Friderika. The Emperor's displeasure may 
stand in the way of your advancement. 

Conrad. Yes, unless we win. I wonder — 

Friderika. What? 

Conrad. I am thinking of theAmerican Ambassador. 

Friderika. In what way? 

Conrad. Our happiness is bound up with the 
cause of peace. If that can be maintained there will 
be no object for the state to wish to control this 
plant, and no object for the Emperor to insist upon 
holding you to your betrothal. If we fail in our 
efforts, remember that the American Ambassador is 
working for the same thing. He may succeed. 

[132] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. I think he will. But we must do our 
part. 

Conrad. Love will conquer. (He takes her in his 
arms again.) 

Friderika. Love! I never knew its meaning 
before. It wants the whole world to be happy. 

There are sounds of voices and shouts from without 
as if a crowd were gathering in the street below, 
growing louder. 

What is that noise? Are the troops coming? 

Conrad starts toward window. Before reaching 
it Lena enters R. quickly. 

Lena (breathlessly). Friderika, Prince Otto has 
come. A great crowd of workmen met him at the 
station, and they have followed him here. Fritz 
must have told some one. 

Friderika. Prince Otto! Could the Chancellor 
have chosen no other messenger? I will not see 
him. 

10 [133] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Conrad. You cannot well refuse and — perhaps I 
see a way. Gain a little time for me. 

Friderika (to Lena). Tell them I will receive 
the Prince. 

Exit Lena. 

What do you mean, Conrad? 

Conrad. The workmen. Don't you remember 
that when we were on the verge of war with France 
over the Moroccan dispute one hundred thousand 
workmen served notice on the Kaiser that they would 
not bear arms against their French brothers? We 
have that many here. Hush! 

Enter Prince Otto R. in uniform, shown in by 
servant. He bows punctiliously. 

Friderika (icily). Your Highness! I did not 
expect the pleasure of seeing you back in Stahlstadt 
— so soon. Have I presented Chief Electrician 
Bertholdt before? 

Conrad bows. Prince Otto rather gracious. 

[134] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Prince Otto. Fraulein, would it not have been 
better if I had not gone away? 

Friderika. And allowed all things to drift? I 
have stopped drifting. Tell me, please! Why are 
you here? 

Prince Otto {lightly). One might have thought 
that I was the Chancellor himself from the crowd 
that met my train. I have been here many times as 
your accepted suitor, but never before received quite 
so much attention. I have been wondering why I 
was so honored. 

Conrad. Your Highness, the people have heard 
that the government may decide that it is for the best 
interests of the state that the Stahl Gun Works be 
operated by an Imperial director. Naturally, they 
are interested. Their own occupations are involved 
— and they also want to know if it means war? 

Prince Otto. You are one of the workmen in the 
plant, I believe? 

Friderika {defiantly). Herr Bertholdt is Chief 
Electrician. He is — 

[135] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Conrad holds up a warning finger. Friderika 
checks herself from telling him Conrad's real 
status. 

He is to become Director General as soon as Herr 
Stoltz's resignation is received. 

Prince Otto {sarcastically). I congratulate you, 
Herr Bertholdt. I had not heard that Herr Stoltz had 
resigned. 

Friderika. For the future, Prince Otto, the 
Stahl Gun Works are to be run according to the 
policy I believe to be right. 

Prince Otto. That is quite as it should be. 

Conrad. Your Highness, we both know the situa- 
tion here and in Berlin. We are expecting some 
message from the Chancellor. We want to know 
whether or not you are his messenger. 

Prince Otto. Herr Bertholdt, you will pardon 
me, but you are not yet Director General of the 
Stahl Gun Works, and I am the fiance of Fraulein 
Stahl. My mission for the moment is with her. 

[136] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Perhaps afterward I may have something to say to 
the Director General, whoever he may be. 

Conrad. I am entirely at Fraulein Stahl's com- 
mand. 

Friderika. I will hear Prince Otto's message. 
He represents the Chancellor in this. 

Shouts heard from street. 

Conrad. Then, with your permission, I will see 
if I can quiet this excitement a little. {Bows and 
exits.) 

Prince Otto {throwing off his reserve). Friderika, 
you know I could not speak before him. 

Friderika. I knew that this interview was inevi- 
table, sooner or later. 

Prince Otto. And it has been as soon as you 
needed help. These men are excited. I do not 
know what rumor has reached them, but I am 
here as your lover — not as a messenger of the 
state. 

[i37l 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika (sophisticated). Is there any differ- 
ence ? 

Prince Otto. A world of difference. It is true 
that I came at first because it was the Emperor's 
wish. I had not seen you then. But could I see 
you, be with you, come to know your character, and 
not learn to love you for yourself? You would grace 
any court in the world. 

Friderika. My court is here, among the peo- 
ple that I love and who depend upon me. Why, 
they bring their babies to me when they are 
ill, as if I knew everything. Now they depend 
upon me in a great emergency. I shall not fail 
them. 

Prince Otto. I would not have you fail them. 
It is for that I love you more than all. I want to 
help you — because I love you. 

Friderika (amused). This is not the Prince Otto 
that I have known. 

Prince Otto. It is the man who comes to you 
because he wants to serve you. 

[138] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika {pointedly). Then it is not my blast- 
furnaces alone that interest you? 

Prince Otto. Oh, Friderika, why should you hold 
me to one thoughtless remark? It is you that I love 
and you that I want. The state has its own plans, 
and I have been an instrument — unfortunate if it has 
made you misunderstand me — most fortunate if you 
will let me prove myself the instrument to solve all of 
your difficulties. I love you — 

Friderika. Please — please don't say that! 

Prince Otto. Why should I not say it? You are 
my betrothed — I have the right — I have the right of 
any man to declare his love. {Advancing to her.) 

Friderika {putting him off). But I have with- 
drawn from that. The Emperor must release me. I 
cannot — cannot go on with it. 

/ 
Prince Otto {partly rebuffed). You have not con- 
sidered this thing in all its aspects. The Emperor 
was your father's friend. The Chancellor looks upon 
you as a daughter. You do not realize in what a 
perilous position you have placed them. 

[i39] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika (with sudden consciousness). I think I 
begin to. 

Prince Otto. Let me take back word to those 
who love you that you have understood, that my love 
has prevailed and won your renewed consent. 

Friderika (shrewdly). And it is rumored that 
the government intends to seize the Stahl Gun 
Works. 

Prince Otto. I do not know how such a rumor 
has reached you. 

Friderika. The telegraph travels faster than 
special trains. 

Prince Otto. No such order has been put into 
execution. 

Friderika. But it will be — unless — 

Prince Otto. Why do you put me in a false 
position? It is my love I am telling you of — not 
matters of state. Accept that love, and matters of 
state need not trouble you. 

[140] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. And my father's monument there? 
What is to become of that ? And my people ? 

Prince Otto. The plant will go on according to 
your father's policy as it was known to his in- 
timates. 

Friderika. As interpreted by them, you mean. 
Not as I believe it. 

Prince Otto. Why will you not let me be your 
friend? Can you not see that our marriage is the 
only solution to all of your difficulties? What 
would it mean to me if the estates of Mehrenburg 
were to be confiscated? Loss of power. It would 
mean the same to you if this plant were seized by the 
state. Your power to aid your people would be gone, 
and the name of Stahl, that has been handed down 
to you with honor, would be stained with disloyalty 
because your faithfulness to the whole Fatherland 
was doubted. 

Friderika. Then the rumor is true? The plant 
is to be seized unless — 

Prince Otto {frankly). Yes, that is it. I will 

[141] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

conceal nothing frorh you. Every chance is to be 
given you to reconsider, but, if you do not — 

Friderika. Well! 

Prince Otto {producing document). I have orders 
here for the military commandant at Stahlstadt. 

Friderika shrinks back from them. 

Don't give me the chance to serve them. Let me 
serve you instead. And the best service I can give 
you now is to show you clearly and sincerely just 
what it all means to you. There was no talk of love 
between us when you accepted my hand. In mar- 
riages of state that may not be the first thought, and 
yet I know that such marriages are not less happy 
than others. In our positions we have other than 
personal reasons to consider. For my part, what 
seemed best for the state was satisfactory to me 
even though my affections had to be sacrificed. 

Friderika looks at him sharply. 

Yes, but that need never give you any concern. 
The state is determined that the control of the Stahl 

[142] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Gun Works shall be in its hands, and I have been 
chosen as its agent. That cannot be avoided — in 
one way or another. Their immediate output is 
needed for purposes that you know. You cannot 
alter the determination of the Emperor in that 
respect, nor can you prevent the Gun Works from 
being used as they were intended to be used — to 
supply armament. Remain obdurate and you can 
merely destroy your own power for usefulness among 
the people you love so well. Accept what is inevi- 
table and the Stahl Gun Works will remain an honored 
institution in the Fatherland. And I pledge myself 
to this, that in all things your wish shall be my law, 
provided that the government's demands for arms 
and armament are fully met. 

Friderika. Thank you, Prince Otto, for speaking 
so honestly. I know you speak the truth, and there 
is some reason in what you say. Give me a little 
time to consider. 

Prince Otto (smiling). With pleasure. In any 
event the government does not intend to make any 
move until to-morrow. 

Friderika. But — if I consent to this — alliance, 

[143] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

our betrothal — you will understand that it is because 
the name of Stahl is a part of these works? Because 
that was my father's work ? 

Prince Otto. Assuredly. 

Friderika. And also because I may feel that by 
holding my position I can best fulfil my obligations 
to my people? 

Prince Otto. Yes. 

Friderika. There is but one point more. It may 
be that I cannot avert this war that seems to me to be 
a crime against civilization. If I cannot do that I 
can at least refuse to profit by it. And I can alleviate 
some of the suffering that will be caused. If I accept 
your suggestions it must be understood that all of the 
profit that comes to the Stahl Gun Works shall be 
used — all of it — for the relief of those who are injured, 
or meet with hardship, or suffering. Do you agree ? 

Prince Otto. That shall be entirely as you wish, 
Fraulein Stahl. 

Friderika. Then — give me a little time. 

[144] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Prince Otto bozos in acquiescence. There is a 
louder shout from the street. Conrad appears 
at door R. 

Conrad {at door). Friderika, a deputation of the 
workmen insists upon seeing you. 

Friderika. The men know that I will always 
meet their committees. 

Conrad {motions without, then enters). Your 
Highness, they may want to ask you some questions. 
They are very much in earnest. 

Enter a group of workmen from the plant, led by 
Gottlieb Hanft. They mass themselves near 
door R., but down front. Then enter Hugo 
Boehling on his crutches. He remains a little 
apart from them up stage. Prince Otto is at 
extreme L. Friderika remains near desk. 
Conrad C. 

Hanft {stepping forward and addressing Friderika 
very respectfully). Fraulein Stahl! We have heard 
the rumor that has flown through Stahlstadt. We 
have come to ask if it is true? 

[i4S] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika. It is true that I have seen the 
Chancellor and told him that I will not permit the 
Stahl Gun Works to supply the means to wage a 
great war. 

Angry murmurs among the men, 

Hanft. Then there's no doubt that it is to be 
war? 

Friderika. What the Chancellor told me was in 
confidence. 

Hanft. We are satisfied on that point. But 
there is another rumor. We have asked Herr 
Bertholdt, and he refuses to tell us. Does the gov- 
ernment intend to seize the Stahl Gun Works? 

Friderika {turning to Prince Otto). Prince 
Otto von Mehrenburg represents the* Chancellor. 
He can answer that question better than I. 

Prince Otto. It is not possible to say as yet 
just what the government's attitude may be. The 
destinies of the Stahl Gun Works lie entirely in 
Fraulein Stahl's hands. 

[i 4 6] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Men look at one another bewildered. 

Conrad. You have the right to know. I am not 
bound by any confidences. Fraulein Stahl has been 
in Berlin. She has learned that war is to be de- 
clared. She knows what it would mean to all of you. 
She has told the Chancellor that the Stahl Gun 
Works will not be a party to it, and the government 
means to force her. 



Prince Otto {sharply). Herr Bertholdt, you go 
too far. 

Conrad. I think not, your Highness. 

Hugo {painfully making h is way toward C. Harshly) . 
You hear! The ruling classes have decreed it! You 
— their serfs — are to obey. You are to take the 
product of your labor to the front and destroy it — 
for their profit! You are to take your bodies to the 
front and destroy them — for their profit! You are 
to load burdens on your wives and children — for 
their profit! Are you willing? Are you eager? 
Don't you want to follow the flag and the drum, 
while your rulers sit behind in comfort and coin 
your blood into profits ? Come ! Here's your chance ! 

[147] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Conrad (putting out his hand to stop Hugo. 
Quietly). Men, war has not yet been declared. I 
know you don't want it. I have been among you, 
worked with you, and know how you think and 
feel. But it is very near. Between you and that 
war with all its horrors there stands but one person 
— a woman. She alone in all the Fatherland has 
dared to stand and say to the Powers, "There shall 
be no war." She was thinking of you, of your 
mothers, of your wives and your homes when she 
said it. Will you stand by her? 

Murmurs among the men. Some shout " Yes" 
but others shake their heads doubtfully. 

Hanft. Does it mean shutting down the 
works ? 

Conrad. You are thinking of the loss of employ- 
ment? What does war mean but greater loss? The 
cost of all things will be increased. Your taxes will 
be more than doubled and they will go on forever. 
But your earning power will be decreased. You 
would strike against an employer who would de- 
crease your wages. Why not strike now with your 
employer for the same reason? 

[148] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Increased murmurs and shouts of " That's right." 

Why, she is your friend — you know it — your 
families know it — all Stahlstadt knows it — and she 
is standing for you. She has demanded that a way 
be found to avoid this war. So far as the plant is 
concerned, she means to change its output, not de- 
crease it, and so they mean to take it from her. 
Will you permit it? 

Shouts of "No, no" 

Hanft (to Prince Otto). Your Highness — tell 
us the truth. Is this plant to be seized? 

Prince Otto. As I told you before, it all lies 
with Fraulein Stahl. She can retain it if she will. 

Friderika. It is — unless I consent to supply 
the government with the means to murder your 
fellows. 

Conrad. There is your answer. What will you 
do? 

Shouts , "No war" "We want no war." 
11 [149] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Then make yourselves heard. There are one 
hundred thousand of you. There are arms in the 
plant — you can hold back any troops the Kaiser 
can send until you can be heard. Once you make a 
stand they'll not force you. 

Great shout of acclaim, and crowd starts for door. 
They are met by Herr Stoltz, who halts them 
at the doorway. 

Stoltz. Wait ! 

Crowd hesitates. 

I've something to say here. {Coming down.) 
Herr Bertholdt, I have heard you, and it is treason 
that you are uttering. Prince Otto, you are of 
the army. You will not overlook a report of 
this. 

Friderika {alarmed). Treason! Oh, Conrad! 

Conrad. Treason or not, it is the only way to 
make the government pause. 

Friderika. No — no — listen to me. 

[150] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Men turn back. 

I have seen your loyalty, and it is beautiful. 
You are thinking of me. But when I talked with 
the Chancellor I was not thinking alone of you. I 
was thinking of those other men and women all over 
the Fatherland who will suffer if this war comes on. 
Your spirit is that of loyalty to me — and it makes 
me happy, but the spirit that should move you 
now is a larger one — to prevent this awful catas- 
trophe. You must not arm yourselves in my 
defense. 

Crowd bewildered. 

Hugo. She is right. The question is greater 
than the protection of the Stahl Gun Works. It is 
in opposition to war itself after these many years of 
peace. Peace! It's a lie. We've had no peace. 
We've had an armed armistice — nothing more. 
And during that peace we've more than doubled our 
armament; we have increased our burdens of debt 
and taxation — burdens that you must bear. {Point- 
ing with his crutch). There lies your interest; there 
lies your livelihood. You are entitled to defend 
that from any foe. Arm yourselves for that. 

[ 151 I 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Shouts of acclaim from workmen. 

Friderika. No, I say! You must not arm your- 
selves! Oh, Conrad, we are helpless either way we 
turn. What have I done? I have brought civil 
war to my own doors. If we do nothing, then this 
awful war will come. If we defend the plant, then 
the streets of Stahlstadt will run with blood. 

Stoltz. That's the first sensible word I've heard 
in all this madness. 

Friderika {imploring). Herr Stoltz, my father is 
not here — you have tried to speak for him. What 
would he do? 

Stoltz. Your father! Ha! This is the hour for 
which he waited. 

Friderika {shrinking back). For the hour of war? 

Stoltz. For the hour when the Fatherland would 
strike for its destiny. For a greater Germany — 
Holland and Belgium a part of the Empire — our 
seacoast extended — England punished — and more 
colonies. 

[IS2] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Hanft. What good are colonies to us? It's 
steady work we want — at home. 

Stoltz. You ingrates! You who have been fed 
and clothed and pampered in this plant and seen its 
output grow and bring prosperity to you! Do you 
think that just happened? Don't you know that 
for years an army of men has been working to make 
work for you — agents here, there, and everywhere 
creating a greater demand for your labor? 

Friderika. And do you mean to tell me, Herr 
Stoltz, that we here are responsible for this war? 
That we have created it? 

Stoltz. Responsible ? We ? Does business come 
by waiting for it? Do dreams come true without 
working for them? And this was your father's 
dream. Fraulein, I have urged you to know more 
about the workings of this plant — not the work that 
is done here alone, but the work that is done for it 
in every capital of the world — a vast machine, as com- 
plete and perfect as any here in the plant at Stahl- 
stadt. 

Friderika. Then these war-scares, this burden 

[153] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

of armament — of taxation — all of it — is a part of our 
work ? 

Stoltz. You have known that. You haven't 
known the method of it — but they have built your 
hospitals, created your old-age pensions, estab- 
lished all your charities. Why, your father's agents 
could be traced all over Europe by the fees they have 
dropped as they went, by the newspapers they 
have bought, and by the public officials they have 
owned. 

Friderika. Then bribery and corruption must 
be added to our sins! God! My father! (Covers 
her face.) 

Prince Otto (softly, to her). You see, Friderika, 
Berlin was right. The Emperor knows best. 

Stoltz. We call it diplomacy, Fraulein. Call it 
what you please — this plant stands for the power of 
the Fatherland — and it is your father's monument. 
There was not another such genius in Christen- 
dom! 

Hugo (with distorted face he clambers to the top step 

[154] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

at back). Christendom! And it is Christendom that 
makes war! Who builds the biggest battle -ships 
to-day? The Christian nations! Who fights for 
the supremacy of the world by the threat of leashed 
monsters whose breath is of the pit? The Christian 
nations! Who lays the pavement over which men 
march to the fight in the struggle of brother against 
brother? The Christian nations! 

Friderika takes her hands from face and begins 
to listen to him intently. 

They say they intend to preserve the peace of the 
world — the peace of force. There is a road that is 
paved with good intentions. It leads to hell. Be- 
yond that is another road, and it leads to war. It is 
paved with grinning skulls and whitened bones — the 
bones of millions of men and boys who have been 
sacrificed. But will you find there the skulls and 
bones of the princes of the world? No, it is you, 
the workers, who are sent to pay with your blood the 
price of their comfort and luxury; and they rejoice 
when the young men go out to slay each other — 
they call upon God to bless those who are about to 
desolate the hearts of mothers. Armies go forth to 
kill, and stop to sing their lust songs at the feet of 

[155] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

the Most Pure. Nations, pitting their choicest man- 
hood against each other, kneel there. Even the 
hymns that ascend to heaven are but the echoes of 
the idolatrous death songs of the gods of Blood and 
Hate. The God of War! Ha! A man of business! 
And here stands his work — the monument to his 
genius. They say war is hell. It is the whelp of hell, 
and its birthplace is — here! {He throws back the cur- 
tain quickly and discloses the Gun Works by night. 
From every chimney a flaming sword flares upward, and 
from the doors of the blast-furnaces flames are issuing, 
the whole being a mass of flame and smoke.) 

Friderika {goes quickly up to the window as if 
fascinated, and then turns away, putting out her arms 
as if to ward off something horrible). No more! No 
more! It is the Frankenstein Monster. {She turns 
quickly away and crosses in front of desk where Prince 
Otto is standing. He puts out his arms as ij she were 
coming to him, but she brushes him aside and goes to 
armor. Throwing up the right arm, the corselet flies 
open, disclosing the switch?) They would appeal to the 
mailed fist. So do I ! {She pulls down handle of switch. 
There is a blue-white flash from the switch, and then, 
after a perceptible interval, a great flare of light from 
the center of the plant. All window lights immediately 

[156] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

go out. There is a great cry from the street without. 
The flames from the chimneys and doors sink down, 
leaving the stage in semi-darkness. Friderika comes 
to center with her arms outstretched.) Conrad! We'll 
build better! 



(curtain) 



ACT IV 

Scene i — The private study of the Chancellor. 
The time is coincident with the close of the third act. 
It is a very vast, dark, zvainscotted, and heavily beamed 
room. There is a small door at back at the extreme R., 
another small door L. At the right is a wide window 
to floor and opening upon balcony. Down front at 
L. C. is a small desk with electric-lamp so arranged 
that the light will shine strongly on the face of whoever 
is sitting by the desk. On the desk are papers, push- 
button, telephone, etc. Chair at desk, and another 
by it. At back at L. is a wireless-telegraph apparatus. 
At rising of the curtain there is no light in the room, 
but from a powerful electric light located outside, the 
back wall is strongly illuminated through the window. 
From without is heard military-band music, the tramp 
of marching feet, the rumble of gun-carriages, the clatter 
of cavalry, and an occasional hoarse order. As these 
troops pass their shadows are thrown upon the wall at 
back, huge and grotesque, the shadow of an army in 
motion. This picture is held for several minutes until 

[158] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

there is a final break in the line. A familiar figure is 
then seen to enter from the balcony, in spiked helmet and 
with sword, and as it stands in the opening a huge 
war shadow appears on the back wall, growing in size 
as the Chancellor moves into the room and down to 
the desk, switching on the light as he sits after removing 
helmet. His face is haggard and worn. He pores over 
papers for a moment, then pushes button. Door at back 
opens, and Count Von Wrede enters in full uniform. 
As he comes down his shadow is likewise cast upon 
wall in huge size. He approaches desk and salutes. 
Chancellor hands papers. 

Chancellor (in a low voice, handing papers). 
The British Ambassador's passports. They are to be 
sent to him in the morning. 

Von Wrede {taking papers). Yes, your Grace. 

Chancellor. What news of the British Mediter- 
ranean squadron? 

Von Wrede. Passed Gibraltar at six-fifteen. 
Under forced draft. 

Chancellor. Hm! Any word from Prince Otto? 
At Stahlstadt? 

[159] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Von Wrede. None, your Grace. There is 
scarcely yet time. 

Chancellor. Yes — yes, I know. I am impa- 
tient. We do not want to use force there. I hope 
Prince Otto can avoid it. That will do. 

Von Wrede salutes and exits L. Chancellor 

busies himself further with papers. Presently 
there is a ring at the telephone. 

Well! Yes, your Majesty! I watched the troops 
go by. {Pause.) It is too late for them to change 
any plans. We have a fair start. {Pause.) Yes, of 
course. No one is deceived by our manoeuvers. 
The news wires are carrying the word that our army 
is mobilizing. {Pause.) Yes, your Majesty. The 
British army is also mobilizing. They apparently 
think that we mean to invade Holland. {Pause.) 
The fleet, your Majesty? The British Mediter- 
ranean squadron is still four days from the North 
Sea. {Pause.) It is the only course. It may win. 
Some of our ships are already at sea, your Majesty. 
Four more Dreadnoughts leave Kiel in the morning. 
{Pause.) Yes, your Majesty, of course. Nothing 
important. Oh yes, possibly. The American Am- 

[160] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

bassador has sent a messenger to say that he must see 
me to-night. {Pause.) No, your Majesty, he does 
not bluff. That is why I shall receive him here 
privately. {Pause.) I cannot think. There is no 
naval move in this direction on the part of the 
United States. Her ships are moving strangely — 
guarding her chief ports. {Pause.) Yes, it is an 
unaccountable manoeuver. {Pause.) There is no 
word from Prince Otto. I wish we were not com- 
pelled to. Of course. Good night, your Majesty. 
I will not call you unless it is important. 

Tramping of feet again heard outside, and shadows 
of artillery are seen passing along the wall. 
Chancellor puts receiver back and goes on 
with his work. As artillery ceases passing there 
is a violent ring at telephone-bell. Chancellor 
answers sharply. 

Well ! {An expression of surprise and horror comes 
over his face?) My God! Bring it at once. Bring 
the operator. {Puts back receiver and sinks back in his 
chair, his face blank?) 

Enter Von Wrede R. Shadow as before. Comes 
quickly down. Operator of wireless enters be- 
hind him and goes quickly to apparatus. 
[161] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Von Wrede. Here it is, your Grace. Serious ac- 
cident to the electrical plant of the Stahl Gun Works. 

Chancellor snatches it quickly. 

Chancellor. Pah! That might mean anything. 
Call Stahlstadt for particulars. 

Operator begins calling, the instrument crashing 
out the calls. 

Von Wrede {after a pause). Stahlstadt answers, 
your Grace. 

Chancellor. Ask nature of accident. 

Wireless calls. Then pause. 

Von Wrede. Every armature in the entire plant 
was burned out by a powerful voltage thrown through 
them. 

Chancellor. My God — that's no accident! Par- 
ticulars. 

Wireless crashes. Then pause. 

[162] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Von Wrede. Current was sent by ingenious de- 
vice conceived by Conrad Bertholdt to protect plant 
in case of invasion. Switch was thrown by Friderika 
Stahl. 

Chancellor. Friderika Stahl! The plant — how 
badly injured? 

Wireless crashes. Pause. 

Von Wrede. Absolutely crippled. Not a wheel 
can turn. Town in an uproar! One hundred 
thousand employees arming themselves to defend 
plant from Kaiser's troops. 

Chancellor. God in heaven! The Socialists! 
That will do. 

Exit Von Wrede and operator L. Chancellor 

sinks back in chair, gazing at vacancy, his eyes 
set, his face showing strongly in the light. 
After a pause there is a subdued ring at the 
telephone. Chancellor starts and then an- 
swers. 

Well! Admit him. 

[163] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Door at R. opens, and a guard in plumed helmet 
appears, casting his shadow on wall. Comes 
to salute and stands in that position. Another 
figure enters, and as shadow is cast on wall it 
appears to be a robed figure with bowed head. 
As the shadow passes along wall and the figure 
comes down it is seen to be Channing. He 
comes down to desk and lays aside evening 
cloak he is wearing. At a sign from the 
Chancellor guard closes windows, shutting 
out the illumination from street, and withdraws. 

Channing {bowing). Your Grace! 

Chancellor {bowing). Your Excellency! 

Channing {in subdued tone). You may know that 
it is no light matter that brings me here at this 
hour. 

Chancellor {also subdued). Assuredly. 

Channing. But, first, may I ask — I saw a strange 
news bulletin as I came — from Stahlstadt. 

Chancellor. Yes. 

[164] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Channing. Is it true? 

Chancellor. Yes. 

Channing. The Stahl Gun Works are wrecked? 

Chancellor. Not wrecked. Disabled. 

Channing. But it means the same to the gov- 
ernment ? 

Sound of marching again. 

Chancellor. No — they can be operated again 
in a week — a month — a year, perhaps. 

Channing. But in the mean time? 
Chancellor. We shall do our best. 
Channing. Then your plans are unchanged? 
Chancellor. Listen! 

Sounds of troops. 

The British Ambassador's passports are ready. 
12 [ 165 ] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Channing. Then that girl's sacrifice is in vain? 

Chancellor. Yes. 

Channing. But the action of the workmen at 
Stahlstadt? That means — 

Chancellor. That means more difficulties to be 
faced — more to be met. See here — (Showing de- 
spatches.) Stahlstadt is not the only place where 
the Socialists are strong. But we have our army. 

Channing (after a pause). Yes, you have your 
army. And it is moving. But that is not my 
message. The United States has done its best to 
keep the peace. Britain was ready to arbitrate. 
Germany was not. I have just received advices 
from Washington. 

Chancellor. Ah! 

Channing. Here is a translation of the cipher. 

Hands Chancellor paper. He takes it, glancing 
at it, then comes to his feet tensely, his eyes 
fixed on the paper. Channing goes on quietly. 
[166] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Your Grace, among men — mere individuals — it is 
necessary to conform to certain unwritten rules of 
behavior if you wish to maintain your place with 
them. Otherwise you are socially ostracized. You 
can get away to another country — change your name, 
if you please, to escape. But there is only one planet 
for us. The nation that offends cannot escape. 
Your course offends my country. 

Chancellor {hoarsely). Go on. 

Channing. Now among men in civilized coun- 
tries we think murder is sufficient cause for execu- 
tion; but wholesale murder among nations can only 
be stopped by some one nation or combination of 
nations having the power or the force to prevent it. 
The United States of America thinks it has that 
force, and it intends to exercise it. The United 
States will not fight — with guns. It doesn't have to. 
But from the moment the first German gun is fired 
against England Germany ceases to exist so far as 
the United States is concerned. You are no longer 
on our planet. Your postage-stamps will not be 
recognized. A small matter, perhaps. Your money 
will be refused in exchange. Your ships cannot 
enter or leave our ports. Your stocks and securities 

[167] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

will not be dealt in. We will buy nothing from you. 
We will sell you nothing. Without our raw material 
your industries will be paralyzed. Without our food 
your people will starve. Don't fire that first gun, 
your Grace. It isn't — wise. Let us arbitrate! 

The paper flutters from Chancellor's hands to 
floor as he stands transfixed. Channing smil- 
ing at him. His hand seeks telephone. 

Chancellor. Rouse the Emperor! 

Passing band strikes up "Die Wacht am Rhine." 

(curtain) 

Scene 2 — Three months have elapsed. An eminence 
overlooking the battle-field of Sedan. It is a fair land- 
scape, with very blue sky and very white clouds. At L. 
and in a position of prominence is a semicircular 
monument of Roman design, with a curved seat. In 
bas-relief is a figure of Christ blessing the world. At R. 
is a large limousine bearing the Imperial arms. 

Discovered — Friderika, Conrad, Chancellor, 
and the Emperor standing by a small table from which 

[168] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

luncheon things have just been removed. Servants in 
Imperial livery are packing baskets and removing them 
to car. On the table are rolls of blue-prints and plans, 
some of which are spread out. All are bending intently 
over them. 

Friderika {continuing). And so, your Majesty, 
that is my plan. A great city devoted entirely to the 
arts and letters — a city that shall be the central 
gathering-point for the men of all the nations — a city 
of the world. 

Emperor. And the battle-field of Sedan is to be 
its site ? 

Friderika. Thanks to your Majesty's influence. 
I could not have bought it and made it neutral ground 
without your aid, your Majesty, and yours (to 
Chancellor), your Grace. 

Chancellor (laughing heartily). Yes, yes, my 
dear, but you have no idea what a task you gave us. 
France could not believe us at first. I don't know 
that I am surprised. 

Emperor. Nor I. We've rattled the saber so 

[169] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

much, your Grace, that the jingle of Fraulein Stahl's 
purse sounded unfamiliar, eh? But why Sedan, 
Friderika ? 

Friderika. Oh, your Majesty, you have plenty of 
imagination. Where else could it be? Here is the 
field that was bathed in the best blood of Germany 
and France. That blood must have been shed for 
something. What better than to fertilize the ground 
for the city of peace, where, on neutral territory, all 
men come together in a spirit of peace and fulfil the 
words of Paul on Mars' Hill, that God "hath made 
one blood of all nations of men to dwell on the face of 
the earth." 

Emperor (slyly). It sounds very Utopian, does it 
not, your Grace? 

Chancellor (smiling). It seems to me that Frau- 
lein Stahl is a very practical business woman. 

Friderika (expostulating). But, your Grace — 

Chancellor. Pardon me; I meant no reflection. 

Emperor (laughing). What he means, I think, 

[170] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Friderika, is that if the Stahl Gun Works are to make 
no more guns this plan will enable them still to keep 
fairly busy. 

Friderika. Your Majesty, believe me, I had no 
thought — 

Emperor. Of course not, but it is good business 
economy, just the same. 

Friderika. My only thought was that out of the 
plant that grew on war I could produce the material 
for the city of peace. 

Conrad. Don't you think, your Majesty, that 
some of these Utopian dreams sometimes turn out to 
be the most practical? 

Emperor. Why, yes, Herr Bertholdt, I really do. 
Possibly that is why I have earned for myself the 
title of "The Indiscreet ,, — Well, your Grace, shall 
we tell them of my latest indiscretion? 

Chancellor. As your Majesty pleases. 

Emperor. Friderika, you have thought me 

[171] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

merely indulgent of your plan to build here on the 
battle-field of Sedan a great city of peace. On the 
contrary, it has moved me deeply. The conception 
is beautiful and idealistic. I wish that all Germany 
might be a country of peace. WeVe had to rattle 
the saber and look fierce to hold our place among the 
nations, but I believe there is a better way. I have 
always believed that — believed that it would come 
at some remote period. You have set an example 
— possibly the time is at hand. 

Friderika. The time for what, your Majesty? 

Emperor (bowing). You have shown us that we 
must bid farewell to Our Lady of War. (To Chan- 
cellor). Fraulein Stahl has given us so much to 
think about, your Grace, suppose you tell her what 
else we have been thinking. 

Chancellor (smiling). It is a state secret as yet, 
Fraulein, but since his Majesty desires it, we will trust 
it to the confidence of you two. 

Friderika. I adore secrets — especially state se- 
crets. (Looking at Conrad and smiling. They draw 
together.) 

[172] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

Emperor (smiling at them). You did not keep 
your own secret very long. (With mock sternness.) 
Can you keep ours ? 

Friderika. We will try, your Majesty. 

Chancellor. Here's one little secret — and con- 
fession. You gave me a good deal of trouble, 
Fraulein, and the Socialists gave me a great deal 
more, and — Himmel — what a lot of trouble that 
American Ambassador gave me! But they were all 
nothing compared to his Majesty. 

Friderika. Trouble! From his Majesty? 

Chancellor. Yes — he — he did not want to open 
hostilities. It finally seemed that we were forced 
to it — and you know the rest. While we were nego- 
tiating the treaty of perpetual peace with England 
it was his Majesty's thought that we might include 
France and Russia in such a treaty, and then it was 
that we began to study the unfulfilled dream of 
Henry of Navarre — his Great Design. 

Friderika (eagerly). Yes! 

Chancellor. You know what that was — a feder- 

[i73] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

ation of all of the states of Europe into one great 
united whole. 

Friderika. But, your Grace, you said that there 
could be nothing greater than the Fatherland. 

Emperor. The time has come to think in terms 
greater than one nation. 

Chancellor. That has been our thought. The 
English-speaking countries have been federated — 
the British Empire on this side and the United 
States of America on the other. The French-speak- 
ing countries have become the Republic of France. 
The Spanish-speaking countries have been united, 
and all who use the Italian tongue are one nation. 
William I. and Bismarck federated the German 
states. What is there left for us to do? Why, to 
transcend boundaries; to cause patriotism to become 
worldism, and to bring order out of the chaos of con- 
flicting national ambitions. 

Friderika. And is that your secret, your 
Majesty? 

Emperor. It will not be a secret long. Already 

[174] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

we have approached the other rulers with a plan to 
which they have given consideration. Oh, it will 
take time, but all the forces of the world are working 
with us. Suspicions must be allayed. Prejudices 
must be overcome; but to this we have set our hands 
and our hearts, and from it will come a unified and a 
peaceful world. Now what do you say? 

Friderika. I — I — hardly know, unless it is — to 
return your compliment, your Majesty, and say 
(courtesies) farewell, War Lord! 

Emperor (laughing). Which I take, your Grace, 
to be a hint that our company is not longer desired 
by these young people. Do you know, your Grace, 
they seem strangely capable of taking care of them- 
selves ? 

Chancellor. We found that out, your Majesty, 
three months ago. 

Emperor. Then au revoir, Friderika — Herr 
Bertholdt. 

Friderika (courtesies). Au revoir, your Maj- 
esty. 

[175] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 
Conrad bows. 

Emperor {going; pauses). By the way, Herr 
Bertholdt, it occurred to me some time ago that the 
Prussian Order of the Red Eagle would look very well 
on you. It will come with the next honor day. 

Conrad. Your Majesty, I thank you. 

Emperor enters limousine, followed by Chan- 
cellor. It moves of. 

Friderika {turning to Conrad). Conrad! Think 
of it! Think of what it all means. I used to think 
that my family was everything. Then I came to 
know my school. Then Stahlstadt was my horizon, 
and then the whole Fatherland. But when love told 
me that the whole world was one people, the Chan- 
cellor told me it was Utopia. And now he and the 
Emperor {laughing), why, they are coming to live 
in Utopia, too. 

Conrad. Not Utopia, dear, but a very practical, 
sensible, real world right here. It was bound to 
come — it must come — the old conditions cannot go 
on. The people do not want them, and now — if the 

• [176] 



THE UNSEEN EMPIRE 

rulers are thinking — ah, dear woman, what a force 
you set in motion when you moved that switch ! 

Friderika and Conrad have moved together to the 
monument and now sit clasping hands. 

Friderika (rising and looking across battle-field.) 
I see the spirit of peace and good will extending over 
this field that was once an awful carnage; I see my 
city of peace resting upon it; I see the influence 
extending until all the nations are one in spirit. 
It is the new empire, Conrad — but no longer the 
unseen empire — unless it is the Unseen Empire of 
Love. 

Friderika is standing gazing out over the land- 
scape. Night is falling. Heavy clouds bank 
up on the horizon shot with red. In the clouds, 
as in a dream, may be seen hurrying battalions, 
moving figures, and a picture of war is formed, 
followed by a view of desolation. From this 
presently a white light shoots upward, and, as the 
light grows, over the scene of desolation there 
appear the spires and towers of the City of Peace. 



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